West Acre triathlete reveals EACH Mile Counts challenge

A triathlete from the Norfolk village of West Acre, who has impressively qualified for the iconic Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco, the Age Group International Triathalon Union Championships in Mexico and the Age Group European Triathalon Union Championships in Holland, is joining people in supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by taking part in the charity’s latest fundraising campaign, EACH Mile Counts.

The idea is that people take on a sporting challenge, doing it their way and in their time. It might involve swimming the length of the River Great Ouse at a community pool or running the distance of the London Marathon throughout the course of April.

EACH wants people to track how many miles they cover on its website, where a ‘wall of fame’ will show who is taking part and what they are doing. There will also be a totaliser keeping track of the collective amount of miles covered. EACH hopes to see it hit at least 5,000 as the charity offers its free care and support to children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, across an area of approximately 5,000 square miles.

Geraldine Jordan, 54, is an experienced triathlete who has been competing seriously since 2016. She has also run the New York Marathon. An average training week sees Geraldine cover 70 miles by bike, 21 miles by running and two miles by swimming. She will be attempting to up that to a total 100 miles a week for EACH Mile Counts.

The campaign has already been backed by Norfolk Sports Academy’s Iona Lake and Iain Dawson, stars of the 3,000m steeplechase and paratriathlon respectively.

Tina Burdett, EACH West Norfolk Regional Fundraiser, said: “It was great to meet the lovely Geraldine recently and hear about her bold idea to up her training miles to 100 a week!

“EACH Mile Counts is a great, big virtual event anyone and everyone can get involved in as it’s all about your challenge, your way. Take on a challenge that’s difficult for you, irrespective of how difficult it may be to others, and help us continue our vital work.

“It’s really simple to get involved and our wall of fame, as well as featuring your name and a photo, will allow you to write about your challenge. There’s also the facility to make a donation and/or pay in sponsorship money.

“This campaign also serves to highlight that more than half the care and support we deliver is out in the community, in family homes and hospitals, with our staff constantly on the move across the 5,000-plus square miles of East Anglia.

“All money raised will go towards this crucial service we provide for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families.”

For more information about EACH Mile Counts, to get inspired and get involved, go to www.each.org.uk/EACH-Mile-Counts now.

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