A WARRINGTON man has proved only the strong survive by completing a gruelling Ironman course in Germany to raise money for charity.
Robert Hough, formerly of Bridgewater High School and current member of Warrington triathlon club, swam, cycled and sprinted his way through Frankfurt to raise £1,900 in aid of Riding for the Disabled Association.
In all Robert covered 226km in an impressive time of 11 hours and 16 minutes.
After swimming 3.3km in the Langener Waldsee, a large lake outside Frankfurt, Robert cycled 180km through around the city before completing the 42.2km run to the finish line.
Robert said: “I chose to raise funds for the RDA because each visit provides the riders with a great sense of achievement and enjoyment – something I also felt crossing the finishing line. I’m really pleased to have completed an Ironman and my time was much better than I’d dare to expect beforehand. The atmosphere in Frankfurt with over 450,000 supporters along the course was fantastic. Thanks to all my friends, colleagues and family for their support.”
Robert works for Barclay’s Bank, who donated £750 to him as part of their community investment programme.
The Weaverham-based RDA group will benefit directly from all the money raised.
Rose Tommons from the Weaverham group said: “Here at Sandy Lane Equestrian RDA we take great pleasure in providing subsidised lessons for groups and individual riders with a range of disabilities. The improvement we see in the children weekly and the smiles on their faces is remarkable. The more funds we raise the more children we can reach, so we are especially grateful to Robert for his generosity and congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.”
Donations can still be given be visiting www.justgiving.com/roberthough
Picture shows Robert crossing the finish line
