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Cowes Man Takes On Mammoth Physical Challenge Inspired By His Dad's Diagnosis

Sam Blanchard, Instagram @thetrialofwight

A man from Cowes is taking on an impressive challenge today (Wednesday), involving swimming, running and cycling around the Isle of Wight for three charities.

Sam Blanchard will leave Cowes at 5am and swim to Yarmouth (13k) then cycle from Yarmouth around the Island to The Needles (100km) and finally he will run from there - across the Island to finish at Sandown (42k).

The original plan post-coronavirus was for Sam to swim and cycle around the Isle of Wight, then run across it - over three days.

Due to gyms and swimming pools being closed because of lockdown and him being keen not to waste twelve months of training he had behind him, he decided to adjust his challenge.

Sam told Isle of Wight Radio:

"I'm not a swimmer, I'm not a runner and I'm not a cyclist so all of this is a new experience for me...

"This was all inspired by my Dad... who got diagnosed with a quite rare condition called Progressive supranuclear palsy...the very rare progressive life-limiting condition that is very nasty has taken away a great deal of his independence and life, he has 24-hour care and this is just something we want to do our part with to help my Dad and also help others."

All the money raised will go to PSP Association, Surfers Against Sewage and Mountbatten - who is currently supporting Sam's Father as part of his long-term plan.

Support crews will chaperone Sam throughout the day, including Scott Dawson who has himself swum around the Isle of Wight.

Sam added:

"It's going to be weird when it's all over so I'm not going to wish it away too quickly... My training has been very solo I have people behind the scenes but ultimately I'm training on my own...

"...Those big swims especially can be quite lonely and a lot of time in your head. I'd say that's been the hardest part - dealing with that little voice in the back of your head that says 'you can stop - no one's watching'.

Islanders are being encouraged to show their support for Sam - while social distancing - if they see him during the day.

Follow him on social media here https://www.instagram.com/thetrisleofwight/ or on Twitter @trialofwight

To sponsor sam you can go to https://www.justgiving.com/teams/TRIsleofwight

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