Sporting event to raise cash for Brighton cancer support centre

And organisers of the triathlon in Falmer are to donate their proceeds to the Macmillan Horizon Centre, which is opposite the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Brighton Multisports began running a triathlon about 10 years ago, which is popular with experienced triathletes and complete beginners.

This year's race takes place on Sunday (July 9) at Virgin Active Gym in Falmer.

It starts with a 400m swim followed by 28km bike ride (including Ditchling Beacon) and finishes with a 5.5km run out of the club grounds, over to Stanmer Park and back to the club.

One novice to the triathlon is Horizon Centre manager Geoff Brown, who decided to have a go himself.

He said: “There are lots of benefits to taking part in a triathlon: Naturally one of my main reasons is to support the running costs of Horizon Centre, but I’ve also found that as part of my training I’ve been cycling to work and I actually save him time on my commute."

Mr Brown started training for the event about two months ago and has decided to go that bit further and do two more triathlons, one in Eastbourne and the other in Germany next month.

He said: "I’ve not found the training too hard because you can break it down into small chunks. If lots of people do small fundraising efforts like this, it all helps. I've raised around £300 so far, but if lots of others do the same it can have a huge impact and provide support for a lot of people affected by cancer."

Lesley Dray, who helps organises the triathlon explained why they chose the Horizon Centre.

She said: “My husband was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer three years ago after collapsing attempting the Three Peaks Challenge. Throughout his treatment we would visit the Cancer Centre and we saw the Horizon Centre being built.

"When we saw the centre inside we knew it would be great cause to support. Thankfully my husband has now finished his treatment.”

The triathlon has 150 entries this year and three relay teams.

Mrs Dray said: “It's a very happy, friendly event and all run by the members of Brighton Multisports. We have been very lucky that the owners of the club have always supported us and allowed the full use of the facilities for the duration of the event.

“Each year the committee get together and decide which charities we would like to donate any of our profits to. This year we decided on the Horizon Centre as it is such a wonderful facility and cancer has touched the families of many of our members in one way or another and have received help from Macmillan Cancer Support. It brilliant that Geoff is racing on the day and we hope to present a cheque to him during the prize giving.”

To sponsor Mr Brown, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GeoffBrown4HorizonCentreTo find out more about the Horizon Centre, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/horizoncentre