Triumphant total raised as James completes ‘Iron Man’ cancer challenge
Date: 7 September 2023
OIC’s own ‘Iron Man’ James Green has successfully completed a gruelling long distance swim, cycle and marathon-distance run this weekend, to raise money for Cander Research UK.
In a monumental effort, James crossed the finish line – after a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and run of 26.2 miles – in just under 13 hours, looking triumphant and with energy to spare (and well under the usual 16-17 hour time limit for official Iron Man events, widely considered to be one of the most challenging one-day undertakings for athletes).
So far, James’ efforts have raised over £1.5k – with the total continuing to creep up.
Colleagues from the Neighbourhood Services team at the Council, David Custer and Gwyn Evans, joined James on the first leg of the challenge - a swim along the coast south of Scapa beach.
James, who started testing the waters with triathlon challenges around five years ago, said the going started to get tough around the 20 mile mark of his run.
But with members of the public coming along to various points on his routes to cheer him on or accompany him, he credits great community turnout for making a daunting prospect easier – and even fun (though he admits he’s relieved it’s over!)
“Thanks to everyone who turned out and completed the swim, cycle and running legs with me, and a huge thanks to my wonderful wife and family without whose support this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Hayley Green is Corporate Director for Neighbourhood Services at OIC, where James works as Team Manager for Marine Planning: “On behalf of our Neighbourhood Services family at the Council and all OIC colleagues I’d like to congratulate James on completing this monumental challenge for a cause which touches so many lives. It once again highlights the fabulous, generous community spirit of Orkney, which Council staff are of course a part of – we couldn’t be prouder.”
Summing up, James said: “I’ll sleep well this next few nights!”
Cancer survival rates have doubled over the past 40 years. Consistent progress is being made but improvements to technology and ground-breaking work offer new opportunities to find different ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and improve survival rates even further. Help James by donating to his challenge so he can help Cancer Research UK improve results even faster.
The deadline to donate is Saturday 9 September.
Pictured here is James at the finish line - you can check out more images on our OIC Updates facebook page.
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