A seven-year-old from Henley-on-Thames is getting ready for his debut triathlon to raise funds for the NSPCC.
George Gibbons will take part in the Henley Triathlon’s Zinc category in May. The competition involves a 25-metre water swim, a one-kilometre cycling segment, and a 500-metre run.
George, who is a pupil at Valley Road Primary School, already enjoys running and cycling, and has recently started swimming lessons specifically for this event.
His dad Mark explained that George has been running for a couple of years and adores cycling, and had been eager to try a triathlon for some time. Mark has completed several triathlons himself, and George had watched him compete before asking when he could join in. Once George turned eight, he became eligible to enter. His mother was a talented runner, and George has followed her example, participating in numerous cross country events. The pair regularly cycle together, and George now attends swimming sessions twice weekly to build his skills. Although George maintains an active lifestyle already, his training for the triathlon has increased his activity levels further. He is particularly enthusiastic about learning the transitions between each discipline.
Competitors are invited to collect sponsorship for good causes, and George selected the NSPCC as his chosen charity. Mark mentioned that a friend is employed by the NSPCC, so the organisation was already familiar to the family. When completing the entry paperwork, George expressed his wish to fundraise for the NSPCC, giving him additional motivation for taking part. In his registration form, George wrote that he hopes all children receive an equal opportunity in life, and that he would be happy to contribute whatever he could toward that goal.
The NSPCC expressed gratitude for George’s backing and sent their best wishes. Andrew Skea, the charity’s assistant director for the East of England region, stated that they were pleased to learn George had chosen to support the NSPCC for his first triathlon. The funds he collects will enable the organisation to continue providing support services for children and young people throughout the area. He wished George well with his preparations and hoped he would enjoy the experience, thanking him for his support.
The NSPCC operates as the primary children’s charity working to eradicate child abuse throughout the UK and Channel Islands. Approximately 80 per cent of its income comes from voluntary contributions.
Those wishing to contribute to George’s fundraising efforts can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/george-gibbons.