So here we are the start of my 60th year and my 7th as a laryngectomee, so what do we have planned and what’s been happening. Since my diagnosis and subsequent travails with throat cancer my method of coping has been to challenge myself physically with various sporting events from running, cycling and my favourite of triathlon. Since being diagnosed I have completed 4 ultra marathons, an half Ironman, 11 triathlons; 3 duathlons; 5 half marathons; numerous 10k races and 4 long distance cycles – these events and the training has kept me focused and I truly believe helped me recover quicker.

2025 has been year filled with various challenges from 10k races to triathlons and also my 30th wedding anniversary spent in the wonderful captivating Lake Como with my wonderful wife and best friend Ann.

A number of events this year have been completed with my fellow chuckle brother JB, who has been an inspiration completing many 10k events whilst recovering from bowel and liver cancer thus giving further credence to exercise helping people to recover quicker and complete treatments stronger.

It appears cancer has no boundaries, attacking the fittest and the good, in May a friend Neil from the triathlon club was diagnosed with head and neck cancer – this is someone who has completed many Ironman events and is very fit – he has dealt with the whole situation with incredible poise and is an incredible inspiration.

2025 has also seen the creation of a very long overdue club aimed at men suffering from mental health issues, giving an opportunity to chat and support each other – Andy’s Man Club has filled this void. Starting in August this has provided me and other guys a safe place to chat and discuss our issues and has certainly been invaluable for me over the last 5 months and has become my de facto Monday night routine.

Having made it to 60 I have decided to dedicate my forthcoming challenges to the Swallows Head & Neck charity and Andy’s Man Club, the 2 most important charities to me. Over the coming year I will be completing a regular blog following my training and events aimed at boring people senseless – hopefully the following blogs will be a little more amusing than this one setting the scene – I’ve also promised Ann I won’t fucking swear, oh bollocks that didn’t last long 🤪

The following 12 months will consist of a mix of runs, triathlons and some cycling – the main part of the challenge will be a 14 day cycle from Lands End to John o’Groats encompassing 998 miles and a few gentle up and downs. I will be asking for donations I know I’ve asked in the past and people have been incredibly generous, but I would like to make a small difference to both these wonderful charities that do wonderful work.

This is only possible with the support of my loving long suffering wife and kids putting up with a grumpy old git.

My thanks to Jonty my long suffering friend and trainer, who over the last 6 years has provided me the strength to complete the events. Also a big thanks to Darren for the coaching and creating a great club for like minded individuals looking to complete athletic events, and to all at Hereford Tri Club you have been my saviours providing the regular group runs & cycles which keep me sane 🙏

That’s it you’ll be glad to hear until I can be arsed to write another issue.