The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dean is ‘tri-ing’ his best for The ARCHIE Foundation appeal
Dean Horton, from Tayport, is halfway to completing two gruelling triathlons to raise funds for The ARCHIE Foundation’s appeal for £2 million for Tayside Children’s Hospital – and it’s all thanks to his partner Diane.
“Diane had been to see one of our local GPs last year and asked him why he was growing a beard. He explained that it was to raise money for ARCHIE’s Beards for Bairns campaign, telling her a little about ARCHIE’s work,” explains Dean.
“Then when she was visiting a neighbour at Ninewells, she spotted ARCHIE’s appeal office and felt it was a sign that we should do something to help such a good cause.
“I’d already signed up for the challenge, so Diane and I thought it would also be a great opportunity to raise funds for ARCHIE and the new twin theatres at Tayside Children’s Hospital,” he explains.
“At the end of May, I raised £511, taking part in the Outlaw half in Nottingham, which is 70.3 miles, and I’ll be doing the Sundowner middle distance triathlon in York on August 5 – it’s a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 20km run, which in miles adds up to 70.3.”
Dean’s job as a joiner means that he’s generally quite fit but he’s had to do specialist training to get used to the distances involved and to prevent injuries. He’s lost four stones in the process.
“Training is structured; I get help from coach John Smith and support from Monifieth Tri Club,” he explains.
Diane is spurring Dean on every step of the way: “I’m so proud of his achievement and have no doubt he’ll do it.”