A group of university students stepped up to a gruelling 48-hour triathlon challenge to raise money for a North East children’s charity.
Four teams of six athletes from Durham University battled it out over the 12 hour swim, 12 hour cycle and 24 hour run in a demanding fitness trial.
Sponsored by shoe retailer Charles Clinkard, the epic event raised more than £3,500 for County Durham based charity Heel and Toe.
Durham University student Jordan Blunsom, 24, organised the event and said: “For the second year running, TRI:48 has been the most challenging multisport event in Durham and a huge fundraising success.
“Despite the pure exhaustion, every single athlete completed their full set of exercises and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.
“The whole event wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsorship from shoe retailer Charles Clinkard and we are so grateful for its contribution.”
The North East based family-run firm was already familiar with Jordan’s fundraising efforts. The company donated shoes last year to replace the ones worn out on his epic 950 mile journey to the Somme to mark the centenary of the historic battle.
Managing director Charles Clinkard said: “With Jordan putting his best foot forward again to fundraise, we jumped at the opportunity to support him.
“People like Jordan and his teammates should be recognised for the important contribution their making to charities and we were proud to play a small part in their fundraising efforts.”
Jordan added: “With the support and generous donations from our friends, families, sponsors and supporters, we managed to raise an amazing amount of money for our chosen charity, Heel and Toe.”
The charity provides vital services to children with a broad range of illnesses and is currently attempting to raise £600,000 for a new hydrotherapy centre and to support its already oversubscribed services.