Kids race is on to help cancer patients

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Youngsters are being encouraged to get active this summer and help all those fighting blood cancer in Jersey.

The Jersey Kids triathlon is back at Les Quennevais Sports Centre in June and organisers hope to attract even more youngsters this time around.

Around 200 braved the rain last year - running, cycling and swimming all afternoon and raising almost £3,000 for Leukamia & Lymphoma Research in the UK.

Chris Rowland from Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research said: “On average one person a week is diagnosed with some form of blood cancer here in Jersey and so we all benefit from the wonderful progress they been making in both diagnosis and treatment of all patients.

“There has been a huge improvement in survival in all ages but most particularly in children. 50 years ago Leukaemia for children was normally fatal but now over 90 per cent survive and live a full life.”

The event on 6 June is open to children aged between seven and sixteen and the emphasis is on having fun. All those who take part will take home a medal as well as a t shirt and goodie bag.

Last year local triathletes Tom Perchard and Dan Halksworth were at the finish line to greet all those who crossed it and to hand out some of the medals. The organisers hope to encourage more local athletes to support this year’s event, sponsored by Ora Charitable Trust and Polar Capital.

Ora Charitable Trust’s CEO Nigel Smith said: “Ora Charitable Trust is a private philanthropic initiative. The Trust aims to support the charitable fundraising sector in Jersey and also internationally. The main focus of the Ora Charitable Trust is to help people of all ages and abilities achieve their true potential in life.

"Ora Charitable Trust is funded by a private family office, based in Jersey. In equal partnership with Polar Capital the Trust has provided funding to ensure that every penny of every entrants sponsorship efforts will go towards this most deserving cause.  

"We wish all participants an enjoyable and rewarding triathlon and ask the wider public for their generous and full support.”

Youngsters can sign up for the event here.