A Chester man who grew up in Helsby is to take his physical challenges to the next level this Sunday (September 11) as he completes a gruelling Ironman challenge.
Chris Pattinson, 30, is taking on the challenge in Weymouth to raise money for the Wirral-based cerebral palsy charity, Stick ‘n’ Step, who provide specialist conductive education and support services to children with cerebral palsy across the North West.
Chris was inspired to take on the challenge by his nephew, Jonty, who has cerebral palsy.
Doctors told Jonty that it was unlikely that he’d ever walk but after two years of sessions with Stick ‘n’ Step he was able to take his first steps and he’s never looked back.
Now 15-years-old, Jonty is a confident young man and even plays for the cerebral palsy England football team.
Chris has been in training for the event for the last 12 months and has raised more than £3,000 for the charity.
He hopes to raise £4,000 by the time he crosses the finishing line on Sunday evening, which pays for one child to attend Stick ‘n’ Step for 12 months.
The 30-year-old estimates he has swam more than 170,000 metres, cycled 5,000 miles and ran 1,250 miles – on average he has trained between 10–15 hours per week, the equivalent of a part-time job.
Speaking ahead of the challenge Chris said: “I’m feeling a mixture of nerves, excitement and emotion ahead of the Ironman on Sunday. Twelve months of tough training in the water, on the bike and running around the roads of Cheshire will hopefully pay off.
“Throughout the challenge I will try to remember the difference that the money raised will have on so many children and their families. My challenge is nothing compared to what many children with cerebral palsy face each day. Stick ‘n’ Step helped to transform my nephew’s life and if my challenge can go some way in helping them to continue changing lives then I’ll cross the finish line a happy man.”
Chris’ brother and trustee of Stick ‘n’ Step Sean Pattinson said: “Chris has demonstrated incredible dedication to train so hard over the last 12 months and his hard work will pay off on Sunday. He knows that for each mouthful of seawater he swallows, each mile he cycles and each step he runs will be helping Stick ‘n’ Step to continue delivering free sessions that can transform the lives of children with cerebral palsy.”
To donate to Chris’ cause and help to support Stick ‘n’ Step visit: https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Roadtoweymouth
