Sarah Bolt

Hi all,

Thank you so much for taking the time to look through my fundraising page.

Alzheimer's Research is a charity that is very close to my heart. Unfortunately, in the last year I have lost my nan (with whom I was very close) to the condition, and years gone by have lost two other grandparents to it as well.

Alzheimer's is such a cruel disease as it horrible to see the person you love change in front of you and for them to 'die again and again and again'. The realities of living with and supporting those with Alzheimer's is overwhelming, and affects so many people, in every walk of life.

For me, my nan was always there to support me, and I was so proud of how strong she was, even in her last days. I will never forget her and want to do something in her memory to help others going through the same thing. Alzheimer's Research is a great charity focused on finding a cure for dementia. Hopefully the funds raised here will help towards this goal and work towards unlocking treatments and/or a cure in the future.

So, to the crazy challenge. This year, I am taking on the 70.3 (Half ironman) in Swansea on 14 July 2024, followed by 140.6 (Full Ironman) in Tenby on 22 September 2024. Both are well known for being some of the hardest courses in the world, which probably isn't helped by the varying 'liquid sunshine' that happens from time to time in Wales...

For those of you that don't know what is involved with the above, this includes:

70.3 - otherwise known as a Half Ironman. 1900m sea swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km (half marathon) run: https://www.ironman.com/im703-swansea

140.6 - otherwise known as an Ironman is 3.8km sea swim, 180km bike ride (with the added 'bonus' of nearly 3000m in elevation to 'enjoy' as well) followed by 42.2km (a marathon) of running on a course with the most hills in it in Europe: https://www.ironman.com/im-wales

Last year in Wales, around 10% of those taking part in Ironman Wales were women. Of around 200 women, around 50 were cut off in the swim! Hopefully, this will help to provide some hope (and inspiration) for others to do the same in the future, and that you don't need to give up your favourite things in doing so. So, if you see me with a drink or some cake in hand, over the next few months it will only be to balance out the training and events going through and to come. Link to follow me on the day (it will be a long one) to be posted as they become available.

Hopefully, I can live up to the challenge ahead. My body is very much feeling the pain of the training, and this is going to keep increasing in the weeks and months to come. Training pictures and updates (for those that are interested) will be posted on this page together with a glimpse of what the challenge has ahead for me. Any support you can provide is much appreciated :) Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to my charity of choice. Thanks so much for your support!

Wish me luck taking on the dragon in 2024!

Thank you all!

Sarah x