Kids run to help blood cancer research

Sunday 26 May 2019

Hundreds of children are being urged to run at the opportunity to help fund groundbreaking research to help the 100 islanders that suffer from blood cancer.

Children aged six to 13 are invited to run, swim and cycle as part of the Vistra Bloodwise Jersey Kids’ Triathlon, which will take place at Les Quennevais on 8 June.

The event, now in its seventh year, has seen numbers grow from 150 children to nearly 600 last year. Over the years, it has raised over £48,000 for Bloodwise Jersey, the Jersey branch of the UK's leading blood cancer research charity.

As Bloodwise Jersey is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it is hoping to raise £12,000 for 2019, which would bring the total amount raised to £60,000.

Chris Rowland, the Bloodwise Jersey Chairperson, said that they are 100 people who live with a form of blood cancer in Jersey and that all funds raised in the island go towards finding a cure for all blood cancers.

Organisers are hoping to see over 650 children take part in this year's Triathlon. Online entry is open to all children in school years 2 to 8 and over the aged of six until 6 June.

Pictured: Children aged six to 13 can take part in the Triathlon. 

Clive Wight, Managing Director of event sponsors Vistra, commented: “The Blood wise Jersey Kids’ Triathlon raises valuable funds to support research into all types of blood cancer as well as providing support, expert information and advice.

"The Jersey Kids Triathlon is non-competitive but designed as a fun inclusive event for all the kids as well as their families, we look forward to seeing everyone at the event as we continue to help support fundraising for such an important charity."

While the event is non-competitive, there will be plenty of prizes to be won, including the School Trophy award for the school with the most entrants. There will also be awards for the highest individual fundraisers, and other prizes forming part of a raffle competition.

Pictured: "Who knows some of the children may become our triathletes of the future," Ms Rowland said.

"It is wonderful to see the children when they finish and collect their medals, especially when it is their first time," Ms Rowland said.

"The event is great for children to develop their skills in swimming, cycling and running and of course great for their general health. The triathlon is run in the strictest health and safety way with many marshals and others watching over them at all times.

"Who knows? Some of the children may become our triathletes of the future - and indeed one or two have already started on that journey!"

Pictured: "Who knows some of the children may become our triathletes of the future."

With the event being seven years old, this year marks the first time that a child could have taken part in all event age categories. Organisers are encouraging parents to get in touch if their child has participated in the triathlon every year since it was created. They would like to create some #sevenyearstories.

Families are welcome to cheer on the young ones all the way to the finish line and organisers have promised entertainment, food and drink stalls and more to make it a fun day out.