Ian Lambert, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Wallsend, Newcastle, is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge: to break the world record for the longest triathlon ever attempted. His mission isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s also a profound effort to support the Dragonfly Cancer Trust, a cause close to his heart.
The Dragonfly Cancer Trust based in Newcastle is dedicated to supporting young people aged 0-25 who are battling terminal cancer, aiding families, hospitals, and hospices across the UK. Through financial assistance and emotional support, the trust aims to alleviate the stress and burden faced by families dealing with terminal cancer diagnoses.
Ian, who runs multiple businesses including a construction company, interior design firm, and maintenance company, is no stranger to juggling responsibilities. However, his latest endeavour is far from business as usual.
“The Dragonfly Trust is a cause I deeply support,” Ian explains. “I’m a trustee with the charity and I’ve seen at first hand the good work they do to help families create positive memories despite the uncertain future. This is my longest and toughest challenge yet, and probably ever but it’s all for a worthy cause, and I’m determined to push my limits for the Dragonfly Cancer Trust.”
Ian’s triathlon challenge initially aimed to cover 4,800 miles, encompassing running, cycling, and swimming. However, upon discovering that the existing record had been surpassed, he has had to raise the bar even higher. His new target is to conquer 5,940 miles, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause.
The triathlon consists of approximately 1,155 miles of running, 4,610 miles of cycling, and over 175 miles of swimming. He started on his journey on February 1st, with the running segment now underway. He averages between 16 and 26 miles per day, pushing himself relentlessly towards his goal.
Monitoring his progress meticulously, he ensures that each mile is logged and documented, adhering to Guinness World Records guidelines. With the support of GPS technology, he maintains transparency and accountability throughout his extraordinary achievement.
In addition to his physical exertion, he aims to raise £15,000 for the Dragonfly Cancer Trust and to raise awareness of the good work that the charity does.
CEO Jane Dennison expressed her thanks for Ian’s efforts, stating, “We are very grateful for Ian’s fundraising task. The funds will be used to work with families, hospitals, and hospices across the UK, supporting young people with terminal cancer.”