Children taking on triathlon for cancer charity (From Worcester News)

Powick and Kempsey children taking on triathlon for cancer charity

7:40pm Friday 14th September 2012 in News

A GROUP of 30 youngsters are taking on an exhausting fund-raising challenge this weekend to raise money for the Worcestershire Breast Unit.

On Sunday, the children from Kempsey, near Worcester, will be participating in the first Kempsey Kids Triathlon Challenge.

Starting in Pershore, they will travel 15km by bicycle, bell boat and on foot, finishing in Twyning, near Tewkesbury.

The idea was thought up by a group of friends from Kempsey.

Jenny Phillimore, whose 12-year-old son Joe will be participating, explained that two of their number had been hit by breast cancer in their 40s and so they wanted to do something to show their support.

“When we came up with the idea for the triathlon the children were all very enthusiastic to take part,” she said. “It has been educational for them as well as an adventure, because they have learned about breast cancer and why the unit needs support.”

The children, who all attend either Powick or Kempsey primary schools, are giving special assemblies to inform other pupils about breast cancer and will also be holding collections.

One in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives and almost 500 people in Worcestershire are diagnosed with it every year. “All of the children taking part have been directly affected by members of their family or friends having breast cancer,” said Mrs Phillimore. “When you look at the figures it is almost inevitable that people will be touched with it at some point.”

An initial fund-raising target of £3,000 has been set, although it is hoped the final total will be a lot more.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so online at justgiving.com/Jenny-Phillimore2, or any businesses that would like to sponsor the triathlon can e-mail Mrs Phillimore on j.a.phillimore@bham.ac.uk.