Super Si to Tri His Best for Think Ahead Stroke Wigan Iron Man continues amazing support for local charity Hindley Green post graduate student, Simon Blakemore, is ready to push himself to the limit in July, as he takes on the gruelling Bolton Iron Man Triathlon. The Iron Man UK event, held in and around Bolton on 14th July later this year, consists of an incredible 2.4 mile swim in Leigh’s Pennington Flash, followed by a lung-busting 112 mile bike race and a full 26-mile marathon. Simon, 31, is currently combining his training with completing a post-graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from The University of Salford, and is pleased to be able to raise money for a good local cause. Simon said: “Living locally, I’ve been aware of Think Ahead Stroke and the vital work it does in our community, and I sometimes worry that smaller, local charities get pushed to one side when it comes to donations and fund raising. “So I thought: if I’m going to put myself through all of this, let’s raise a few pounds for a worthy cause in the area while I’m at it. My target is £1,000, and I’ve already reached £350 through family and friends. “This is the first time I’ve attempted the full distance event, which is definitely a bit daunting, but I’m hoping that any sponsorship will help drive me onto that distant finishing line.” “If you would like to sponsor me then the please visit my Facebook fund raising page Think Ahead Stroke’s Executive Manager Carol Sankey said: “Simon has been such a find for the charity this year, and the race is just the icing on the cake for all he help he’s given us in 2019. All I can do is thank him again – he’s a star, and it’s very much appreciated.” Earlier in the year Simon was instrumental in helping to set up the Think Ahead Tavern, a weekly support group for working age stroke survivors. The group meets at Ashland House, Ince on Tuesday afternoon’s from 1pm, and anyone is welcome to come down and join in traditional pub games and quizzes. The Think Ahead tavern is now growing by the week and become a fixture in the charity’s diary of events and activities. Carol continues: “If anyone else out there would like to raise funds through sponsorship for an activity, then they can easily set up a fundraising page by visiting www.think-ahead.org.uk/Pages/Fundraisers and we’ll help promote it via social media. “We guarantee that every penny you raise for Think Ahead is used on the ground in our community.”