Warwickshire man takes on endurance challenge in mum's memory
David Blick, from Leamington Spa, will be taking on his sixth Ironman challenge in support of Breast Cancer Research
A Warwickshire man is set to take on his sixth Ironman challenge in memory of his mum, who died from breast cancer earlier this year.
David Blick, 53, will tackle Ironman Wales in Tenby on September 13, completing a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike ride and 42-kilometre run within 17 hours.
He will have less than 17 hours to complete the course, covering around 140 miles in total, while raising money for breast cancer research.
It will be David’s first Ironman in eight years, having previously competed in Bolton, Mallorca, Lanzarote and Wales.
But this time, the challenge has a much more personal meaning following the death of his mum, Maggie, on April 11.
David said: “I’ve done five Ironmans before, but the last one was eight years ago when I was significantly younger.
“This time, the challenge is bigger than the course as I’m racing for Breast Cancer Research in my mum’s memory.”
Maggie underwent a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, but David said the family later learned the disease was aggressive and that pain management became the only option.
David said her strength throughout her illness has given him motivation during months of training: “Watching someone you love face something so frightening and uncertain puts everything into perspective.
“I couldn’t fight her battle for her but I could fight with her, in the best way I know how.”
David says the physical challenge will be tough, but his mum will be in his thoughts throughout every stage of the race: “There’s no easy way to run, bike, or swim through grief either, but I’m doing this because she deserves to be part of every mile.
“Every hill, every long training day, every moment I want to stop, she’ll be the reason I don’t."
David is now encouraging people to support his fundraising effort, saying every donation or message of support could help fund research and give other families more hope and time.