A sister completed her first full-distance triathlon at this year’s Copenhagen Ironman by running a marathon, cycling 180km and a 3,800m open water swim in under 15 hours for charity.
Laura Hodgson was supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting conditions, as her younger brother, Ben, 26, lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The 31-year-old, from Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire, joined thousands of people on 16 August to complete the challenge with her sister, Katy, cheering her on. After genetic testing, it revealed that Laura is a carrier of the condition, so it’s a cause close to the family’s hearts.
Laura said:
“Having a sibling with a condition completely changes your views on people’s behaviour in the wider population. It’s amazing how many people have no consideration for others with disabilities. We don’t live in an accessible world. It’s not fair on disabled people.
“I’ve witnessed Ben’s struggles and his deterioration over the years. He can’t lift a pint glass off the table and even struggles with a half pint glass now. It’s made me determined to do something positive. Increasing awareness and raising funds helps to get one step closer to finding a cure and helps provide support for individuals to live longer, more fulfilling lives. Things probably aren’t going to change for my brother, but it’s for future generations.”
Laura’s actively serving in the Royal Army as an electronics technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (REME) after joining 12 years ago. Laura continues:
“Completing the Copenhagen Ironman has been my biggest challenge since joining the Army. It’s been hard juggling training for both work and the event since last September. Some weeks I’ve clocked up almost 17 hours of training. It would’ve been easier to give up at times. Making it to the start line was an accomplishment.
“I’m proud to have completed my longest open water swim, cycled my longest distance of 180km and run my first ever marathon for Muscular Dystrophy UK. When the going got tough, I thought of Ben. He was 100 per cent my main motivation. He’s proud of me and donated to my JustGiving page. Having my sister there cheering me on was great.
“I’m not the one living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, so I wanted a hard challenge to help and make people donate. One day I may not be able to, so I’m pushing myself whilst I can.”
To read more about Laura’s story and donate, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/laura-ironman.
For more information about fundraising your way for Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/fundraise-your-way.
For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).
