Nine-year-old Jasper Jenkinson completed his challenge for the charity Ronald McDonald House, where his parents stayed while he had a heart operation when he was four weeks old.
Jasper, who is a member of Isle of Wight Triathlon Club, raised over £1,200 for the charity that provides free accommodation for the families of children having treatment in hospital.
His family’s personal connection to the charity came from when Jasper was at Alder Hey Hospital, 70 miles from their family home, and they stayed in a Ronald McDonald House whilst he underwent the operation on his heart.
“I wanted to take on the challenge because I was due to take part in the Isle of Wight Randone which was cancelled,” Jasper said. “The event would have seen me cycle 55km around the island, but I thought I’d set myself 100km on Zwift from home.
“Having set myself the challenge, I wanted to use the opportunity to raise money for Ronald McDonald House who helped my family when I was a baby.”
Jasper is now a perfectly fit and passionate triathlete who, through his love of the sport, has got both of his parents and his younger sister into the sport and involved in the club. Dad is a coach and mum is the Welfare Officer, whilst his sister has recently taken up triathlon as well.
“My dad joined me on his turbo for a bit of the ride,” Jasper commented. “He helped keep me motivated and our neighbours came round to cheer me on through the window.
“I watched a fair bit of TV to keep me entertained and prevent me getting bored whilst riding and, when I’d finished, although my legs were ok my bottom was quite sore!”
This year also saw Jasper’s whole family complete all the events in the Castle Triathlon Virtual Series, with Jasper himself taking part in multiple events when the initial restrictions on triathlon activity were lifted.
“I was really excited to be able to get back racing,” he added. “I competed at the Hever Castle Triathlon, Winchester Triathlon, the Bath Duathlon and our club championship.
“Now we’re into winter and not able to train in groups at the moment, I’m spending a lot more time back on Zwift and with my family.”
If you're looking for opportunities on Zwift, check out the British Triathlon Winter Series which provides opportunities for group rides and races throughout the week, giving the chance to continue training and racing throughout the winter months.
