Here is a great story of courage and determination by a group bound together by the unfortunate circumstances that servicemen can endure and encounter while serving and protecting their country. These guys from the UK are determined to continue living life to its fullest even though they have new personal challenges to conquer every day with the injuries suffered. After many grueling month basic training is over, now it's off to conquer Ironman UK on July 31st.
Team True Spirit is a collection of wounded British servicemen who have all been injured while on duty serving their country and are currently battling back from the injuries sustained. They are individuals who are currently recovering at the Defense Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court (Headley Court) in Surrey. Their injuries vary from severe multiple spinal and limb fractures to amputations of one, two or even three limbs. They have banded together like a combat battalion to conquer what an Ironman completion has to offer, a 2.4mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. These amazing individuals are now getting ready to fight and complete the 2011 Ironman UK triathlon event in Bolton.
The idea was for competing in an iron distance triathlon came from Mark Airey a two-time Ironman finisher and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor at Headley Court. Having completed two previous Ironman races he knows what a life enhancing experience it can be to cross the finish line.
The idea was met with hesitation and gripes from these injured servicemen but the idea of going from Hero's to an Ironman must have stuck, thus the team was formed. As the Ironman motto goes "Anything is possible..."
Due to the nature of some of the patients' injuries it would be impossible for all of them to compete in all three legs of the event, which is why Airey created the idea of a relay team, which is un-common at an Ironman event. The brake came when Ironman UK organizers granted entry to 'Team True Spirit' to participate in the iron distance triathlon as relay teams, at least 10 teams of wounded servicemen. Each patient will be accompanied by a Headley Court member of staff who will be there to support and encourage them all the way through. Most of the athletes are either doing the swim or the bike with a few doing both. There is, however, one remarkable individual, double amputee Royal Marine Commando Joe Townsend, who will be attempting to defeat the whole race on his own.
Ironman rules state that athletes may not receive outside assistance while competing, thus the idea to incorporate Headley Court staff members in the almighty challenge. While a few staff members have triathlon experience most don't. It seems as though some support staff might be taking on the whole iron distance challenge as well, to be out on the course just in case any one of them requires some assistance, which is permissible.
"What have I got myself into?! When I heard about the IRONMAN I honest could not contemplate it... I am not a keen swimmer and am scared about swimming in open water... I used to avoid the bike at the gym for fear of getting a bruised bottom! ...and yes I was the one to turn up to training with the biggest padded cushion on my bike and shorts! Oh, and did I mention at the start of this year I hadn't run further than 6 miles in one stint before! So you can imagine the IRONMAN was not exactly on my "to do" list.
However, the more I have trained with the team the more inspired I am by their determination and what these incredible injured soldiers can achieve. All the training and the pain on the day will be temporary, and no matter how hard it may seem... it is nothing compared to what these guys have been through..." - Michelle Norton, Headley Court Support Staff
Just as we able athletes would do, the team set out to test their training and skills a month ago at the Cotswold 113 Triathlon. The relay teams worked together to prepare for their mighty challenge.
These amazing and courageous individuals are fighting to complete in one of the hardest one-day endurance events around, and iron distance triathlon. What makes this even more special is they are also on a campaign to raise funds for some great hometown organizations: Help for Heroes, Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Royal Marines Assocciation, and BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Servicemens Association).
Team True Spirit Athletes
Kingsley Ward |
Steve Caton |
This is the true spirit of Ironman, the true spirit of a serviceman and the true vision of heroism.
Please show Team True Spirit your support
You can visit their website at: www.truespirit.org.uk
You can send them a note of encouragement or cheer them on via Facebook or Twitter.
If you care to make a donation to their fundraising visit: www.truespirit.org.uk/donations.html
Come on; let's help these Wounded Servicemen do something amazing!!!
