A FORMER RAF auxilary gunner completed an epic 85 mile triathlon to raise money for two charities he volunteers for on Bank Holiday Monday.
Father-of-four Steve Tibbs, 46, of Wisbech, cycled 55 miles from King’s Lynn to Skegness, paddled a kayak 14 miles from Gibraltar Point to Hunstanton and then ran the remaining 16 miles back to King’s Lynn.
Mr Tibbs, a smoking cessation officer for Camquit, undertook the challenge in aid for SPEADA, who offer support to children with disabilities, and Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue, who help the emergency services look for missing persons, offer flood response and provide cover for the ambulance service.
After the 22.5 hour challenge, Steve said: “I am astonished I finished. I underestimated the kayaking leg of the challenge, and the constant battle to stay upright really sapped my energy.
“It was my first time in open water and when I got tipped out I wanted to quit. But the two experienced kayakers with me got me through it, by telling me to remember my training and getting some food into me. At one stage I did think it was my last day on earth.
“It was fantastic when I arrived at Hunstanton, where I got a standing ovation from members of the sailing club, they were very supportive.”
SPEADA is a charity which is very close to his heart,
He said: “When I was a personal trainer I worked with a local support group for mainly teenagers, with all sorts of disabilities and backgrounds.
“After they were threatened with being closed down after council cut backs, we formed a charity called SPEADA to keep the group going.
“We have had great support from parents and volunteers and now the group is continuing to support young carers, children with Aspergers syndrome and children from disadvantaged backgrounds with all kind of disabilities.”
Steve hopes to raise £750 by his efforts. You can support him by making a donation at www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/stevetibbs/around-wash-challenge
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