FRIENDS Jo Lord and Annie Ryan have been running and raising money for Macmillan and The North Wier Trust for a number of years.
This year, they decided to run The London Marathon again fundraising for Macmillan in support of Annies’ husband. Raising money isn’t easy so they decided to add a twist to their marathon by turning into a triathlon, Glasbury to Hay, swim, bike, run.
Unfortunately the weather and the river were against them so the swim was postponed until July. Undaunted they canoed the Wye to Hay instead and two days later set off on the first leg of the cycle to London.
Joined by friends Sue Williams, Caroline Doyne, Emma Rawlins, Sarah Doney and her partner Hugh, they crossed the Black Mountains to Chepstow and then picked up the Sustrans route four cycle route to Bristol.
Unfortunately Annie and Emma could only take part in the first day so the rest of the group followed the Kennet and Avon canal over the next couple of days to Windsor.
On the fourth day Jo, Sue and Caroline made it to The Cutty Sark to a fantastic welcome from Annie and friends and family: "We couldn’t quite believe we’d done it," said Jo "When we first dreamt up the idea it never really felt like it could be a reality."
Jo and Annie then ran the London Marathon to complete the challenge.
"It was an amazing experience and very emotional. Thank you to all those who took part and helped us raise £4500 so far."
Annies’ son Lewis also ran the marathon in an fantastic time of 3h 23min and also collected over £4000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The swim is yet to come and with the help of Want To Canoe of Hay-on-Wye and Wye Valley Canoes hopefully the date is set for July.
"We are hoping to raise money for The North Wier Trust. Come and support us by canoeing along side and joining us for The Big Hay BBQ afterwards," said Jo.
You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/2-Stubborn-Women or contact Jo at [email protected] for more information about the swim and BBQ fundraiser.