Young triathletes Daniel Dixon and Jack Stanton-Stock will be celebrating their 18th birthdays by cycling indoors for 18 hours in aid of NHS Charities Together.
The pair are both members of the England Next Generation (ENG) squad, which is the Triathlon England Home Nation squad within the British Triathlon Performance Pathway.
They also both turn 18 on the same day, Thursday 14 May, and have decided that to celebrate, they will cycle for 18 hours to try and raise £2,000 for the NHS.
Daniel Dixon said: “With the lockdown overlapping our 18th birthdays, we thought it would be a good idea to try and fundraise for the NHS as a way of celebrating.
“It’s not the way we imagined turning 18, but it’ll certainly be one to remember.”
With the lockdown, the two have had competition and training schedules ripped up, however, are still managing to train at home and keep in virtual contact with one another and the ENG coaches and squad.
In the build up to their challenge, they’ve sought support and been guided by British Triathlon coaches and staff to help with nutrition and hydration plans in their preparation and for the ride itself.
Jack Stanton-Stock said: “When Dan mentioned the idea, I thought it was great and a really good way of making something of a birthday in lockdown.
“We’ll have friends joining us on Zwift and a glass of champagne waiting at the end of the 18 hours too.”
This year would have seen them both compete in the British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series, where Dixon and Stanton-Stock came second and third respectively in the 2019 Youth B category, as well as representing Great Britain in youth and junior European competitions.
Matt Divall, Triathlon England Pathway Manager, said: “I’m so proud that the two boys have decided to celebrate their birthdays and the way they’ve gone about seeking nutrition and coaching support.
“I’m sure they’re disappointed to not be able to spend time with their friends on their birthday, but it’s great that they’re able to turn the situation into something positive and raise money for the NHS.”
Putting their time and training to good use, you can donate to their total below and follow their progress on social media.
