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Former Bay pupil to race Ironman for North Wales Hospice


November 03, 2023 - 517 views

Former Rydal Penrhos pupil Adrian Lewis has embarked on a remarkable journey to honour the memory of his beloved Naini, Jenifer.

The Lewis family, including grandparents Jen and Phil, have been an integral part of the Rydal Penrhos community, attending various school events and enthusiastically cheering on their grandchildren, Adrian and his younger sister Jasmin.

Earlier this year, Jen lost her battle with cancer, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and the wider school community. During her challenging times, Jen was provided exceptional support by the caregivers at St Kentigern Hospice, and now Adrian would like to give back by raising money for their remarkable work.

St Kentigern Hospice provides vital care and support to individuals battling life-limiting illnesses. It is a place of solace and comfort for countless families during their most trying moments.

The Hospice has a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities and services, including inpatient care, day-care, outpatient clinic, community support, bereavement support, and complementary therapies, all offered free-of-charge to patients and their families.

The cost of maintaining this essential facility is considerable; £604 per patient per night, or £7252.37 a day for the whole hospice. St Kentigern’s is mostly reliant on donations and charitable contributions.

Adrian has set himself the goal of completing the Ironman Copenhagen on 18 August 2024. This ultra-endurance triathlon event consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike ride, and a full marathon 26.2-mile (42.20 km) run, all to be completed in a single day.

It is renowned for its extreme difficulty, pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits, making it one of the most challenging endurance disciplines in the world.

When Adrian lines up at the start line in the Danish capital, it will not only be an immense personal achievement but a wonderful tribute to Jen’s memory.

Adrian will also be flying the flag for the Rydal Penrhos community as he races past iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, and the beloved Little Mermaid statue.

If you would like to show your support, then you can give to Adrian’s St Kentigern Hospice fundraiser via JustGiving.

Adrian has received support from notable sponsors, including award winning protein bar and sports nutrition company Grenade, supplement and vitamin company PeakGains, wetsuit producer Two Bare Feet, and Warwick University Sport, all of whom are assisting Adrian’s training.

However, additional sponsors are always welcome, particularly those who might be able to help in terms of a TT bike, travel, and other equipment. For those interested, please contact alumni@rydalpenrhos.com.