Kentish Express Ashford & District
Raising funds for Guide Dogs is well worth a tri
In a fundraising day to rival all others, an Ashford teacher swam 750m, cycled 20k, ran 5k, and then finally abseiled 90ft down from the balcony of the Leas Cliff Hall to raise money for Guide Dogs.
James Addis, a drama teacher at the Towers School in Kennington, raised nearly £500 by completing the Brett Ashford triathlon and KM Charity Challenge abseil in Folkestone on Sunday.
The “unsporty” 31-year-old completed the mammoth challenge solo, but competed alongside another Guide Dogs team: His fiancée plus her mum and dad.
Jenny Martyn, along with her mum and dad, Clare and Barry Martyn, also completed in the triathlon as a team and took on one activity each. The family then went down to support James as he took the 90ft plunge in Folkestone.
He said: “I thought the triathlon went really well, I’m quite pleased with it all. During it I felt like I should be doing better or giving more, it wasn’t until I finished and knew my times that I’ve eased up on myself.
“It was exhausting but looking back I’d describe it as fun, already I’m looking at it with rose tinted glasses.
“The hardest part was probably the run, only because I’d already given everything in the swim and the cycle.
“But I’ve never been a strong swimmer. Up until four weeks ago I hadn’t been swimming in more than 10 years.
“I’m really pleased I took part, and completed. I was aiming for a time of two hours and managed to complete it in one hour 43 minutes.
“I’m told that’s average and I’ve never been so happy to be average!
“It’s also the first medal I’ve ever received for anything so I’m quite pleased with myself.”
The triathlon started at Conningbrook Lake, moved on to the nearby Julie Rose Stadium and then Wye, before it ended up back in Conningbrook.
Clare, a regular Guide Dogs supporter, fundraiser, marathon runner, puppy walker and James’ soon-to-be mother- in-law asked her family to take part in the triathlon challenge with her as a team.
However, she said James was determined to do the massive challenge on his own.
She said: “The triathlon was great fun and we were all pleased with our times, but mostly we were proud of James for his achievement.”
There’s still time to support James and the Martyn family, visit www.justgiving.com/ AddisTriAndAbseil.