Ironman for dad

Hi, my name is Emily and I had the most amazing dad. Dad was the kindest, funniest, most caring, and most incredible person. I am so grateful to have had him for the time I did, in my life.

On October 20th, mum, dad and I were set to do Ironman 70.3 Porec. However, only I finished. Dad suffered from a heart attack in the final 200m of the swim. He was gone instantly. Although I didn't get told of his passing until after I'd finished the event, I like to think that I did it for dad.

So that's my new motto now. Do it for dad.

It hasn't been easier the past months months. Grief is a complex feeling to navigate which terrifying and lonely. Each new step you take, new person you meet, achievement you reach, the one person you want to tell is gone. But, you have to keep going. Keep waking up each day and push through. You don't have any other choice.

What's important in life is to take those risks, do the things that make you feel uncomfortable, put yourself out there. The future isn't set, you never know what could happen. So because of this, I won't let myself dwell on the fact he passed during an Ironman 70.3. It has always been my dream to participate in a full Ironman, and doing it for dad is my drive to complete this.

This is also for you mum. I'm proud of how strong you're being during all of this. I know it isn't easy, but you're making dad even prouder each day.

Lets work together and do this for dad x