Tammy's 50th birthday triathlon challenge

Tammy Hildred, aged 45, hopes to raise £3,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Tammy was inspired to take part in her first triathlon after seeing a poster at her local pool for a challenge organised as part of British Triathlon’s GO TRI programme, which aims to attract more people into the sport.

The challenge, led by local coach Nick Hannah, involved six weeks of front crawl lessons, building up to a short triathlon event, with the cycling leg being completed on a static bike.

Tammy suffers from depression, says that exercise helps her manage her mental health. In the past she has completed running challenges, but she wanted to try something new. This led to her finally learning to ride a bike at the age of 45.

“I couldn’t ride a bike, I was a dodgy runner at best and I couldn’t even put my face in the water when I started the swim lessons – but I completed the event with lots of support from Nick.”

A few months after her mini triathlon event, Nick asked Tammy, of Pellon, if she would consider doing a full triathlon.

“I went to the council to enquire about adult cycling lessons and I learned to ride a bike. With Nick’s coaching and support, I completed the Skipton Sprint Triathlon in April last year,” said Tammy.

Keen to push herself further, Tammy is now planning to complete a triathalon in each of England’s 48 counties before her 50th birthday.

“I never dreamt I would ride a bike, let alone do a triathlon. It was the most scary and challenging thing I have ever done. I came last but it was a great experience and I became hooked.”

Tammy set this mammoth task as she wanted to do a long-term fundraiser for a local charity. She chose Yorkshire Cancer Research as in recent years, many of her loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer.

“Two of my friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer. One of their husbands had prostate cancer at the same time, and the mother of my stepchildren also has cancer.

“I don’t know a single family that has not been affected by cancer in some way.”

Click here to sponsor Tammy.