Ella hoping to take on the Ironman world’s best
RAISING CASH TO COMPETE IN HAWAII WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
A MUM has launched a crowdfunding appeal so she can take her place on the start line of the Ironman World Championship, in Hawaii.
Ella Pearce, from Earl Shilton, is juggling the stresses and strains of a gruelling training regime with being a firsttime mum and her veterinary career.
The 28-year-old is hoping to compete against some of the best endurance athletes in the world at the triathlon in Kailua-Kona on October 9.
She qualified for the event in impressive fashion last month, when she stormed to victory by winning her age category in her first Ironman race, IMUK Bolton, on July 4.
“It is known as one of the toughest Ironman events on the planet,” she said.
“I gave myself a huge challenge to take on and complete the 2.2-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run course.
“Not only did I finish in one piece, but I achieved an awesome result, topping my age category and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
“I was bowled over by my achievement.
“In the lead up, my time has been spent between being a first-time mum to my 11 month-old son, Alfie, working as a vet and triathlon training.
“It has been gruelling, but the hard work paid off and now I am on my way to an event that only two per cent of the competitors at Ironman events around the world get a chance to race.”
Ella, who is based at Park Veterinary Group’s Whetstone branch, has set up her appeal on the GoFundMe crowdfunding website, where supporters have already donated just over £500 towards her £2,000 target in a week.
“The journey to Hawaii and the epitome of triathlon, the Ironman World Championship, comes at pretty high cost, so any money raised will go directly into the pot,” she said.
The costs include an £800 race entry, a further £200 to transport her bike and a £1,200 flight.
“I wasn’t going to set up a crowdfunding page to start with but friends and fellow-members of the Speedhub triathlon group, based in Hinckley and Lutterworth, persuaded me to go for it, saying I had inspired them and that it would maybe help inspire others,” she said.
Ella has been doing training runs around Earl Shilton pushing Alfie along in a specially-designed buggy.
“I’m easy to spot,” she said. “Everyone has been giving me so much encouragement.
“The buggy has been a real blessing as well during lockdown when there have been no baby classes – Alfie goes to sleep and I get my training in.”
Ella’s preparations have included swimming at the lake at Mallory Park race track and riding on a stationary training bike in her living room.
“I’ve had to crank the heating up to replicate the conditions I’m going to face in Hawaii, but my husband Phil has been incredibly understanding,” she said.
“It’s just one of those things. I run during my lunchbreak at work and instead of switching on the TV and sitting on the settee once I get home, I get on my bike.
“I do hope my story inspires others to get on their bike, get in the pool or get their trainers on and that girls, women and mums everywhere can see how our resilience pays off. Any help that anyone can give is so appreciated.”