IronMan Copenhagen in memory of Nicky

Hi, my name is Caroline and I’m fundraising for Nicky (#4N;cky).

IronMan Copenhagen 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 26 mile run.

20/8/23 #4N;cky.

So last August while camping down port Eynon, Mike had the crazy idea that Copenhagen iron man would be a great thing for us to do in 2023!It’s in the school hols etc, and eventually he sold the idea to me and we entered.

My first full IRONMAN distance.

As most of you know, our lives were totally shattered in December when our beautiful boy suddenly and tragically lost his life.

While in hospital at Nicky’s bedside, my obvious instant thought was,

“no more triathlon training. Put everything aside and get our precious boy better. Get all the physical and mental rehab he needed to recover once he was home.”

We just needed him to rest in his coma for a few days and let all the drugs being pumped into him, do their job. We knew he was critically ill, we were terrified but fuelled by hope and strength that Nicky would pull through.

On the Tuesday ( day 3), I can’t even put into words what happened. But I didn’t want tomorrow to ever come. I wanted the world to pause. How can this happen to us? Our poor boy. So innocent, sweet, funny and talented with so much to explore in life. Day 5, we had to do the worst thing any parent could possibly do. Mike, Beth and I held him until we could hold him no more. He fell asleep in our arms, for eternity.

It took much thought, but we decided that we had to continue with the IRONMAN because Nicky knew we were doing it and he was so excited for us. So I’m doing it for him.

We have trained really hard throughout the year. It’s been so tough emotionally and physically. But, while by Nicky’s bedside that week, I promised him I’d run everyday in his name ( #Running4Nicky ), So, it’s been a reason to get up, get dressed, get out. A promise is s promise!

This is the toughest physical challenge I’ve taken on. I’m feeling determined, and I’ll be taking Nicky across that finish line with me.

I really hope I make it to the end because I’m never doing this again, I’m exhausted .

Every day is a challenge beyond words for all of us. Each day without our boy just gets harder and harder. I just want him to walk through that door and say, “ it’s ok Mam, I’m fine “.

I’m doing this for you Nicky, and to raise awareness and funds for charities that:-

-help families who’ve suddenly lost a child, -help young people struggling with their emotions.

-campaign for a suicide free community by engaging with, and encouraging people to talk and ask for help.

Suicide is not an option. The feelings of today will become your strengths of tomorrow. The world is a better place with you in it. Never leave your story untold.

We have set up a charity in Nicky’s name called ‘#4N;cky’. The funds raised will be donated from ‘#4N;cky’ to other local charities who do amazing work, while hopefully building this charity to fulfil some support ideas we have in mind for the future.

The 2 chosen charities for the iron man are :-

-2 wish, and

-The Jac Lewis foundation.

2 charities that have helped us hugely.

So it’s time to give a little back to say thank you, and so others can also get help.

Nicky’s passing can’t ever be in vain. It should never have happened, but now we need to try our best to prevent it happening to others. Nicky’s legacy will live on forever.

If you are able to donate I would be so very grateful. But, times are hard, so raising awareness and letting people know about the help out there is also so important, so please share our message and check up on family and friends. End the stigma of mental health. Look after each other. Talk

Thank you to my coach Gareth Jones for his guidance and patience, to Swansea Vale Triathlon for your incredible support.

Special thank you to Nicky for keeping me going on my runs. Always with me.

Much love

Caroline

xxxx