Gosport swimmer, 14, to take on 9 duathlons and 4 triathlons to support Cancer Research UK

Gosport Dolphins member Rosie Deem is missing swimming and wanted to do something to keep up her fitness and raise money for Cancer Research UK, which is close to her heart.

Throughout June, the 14-year-old will do a mini triathlon each Wednesday - three-mile run, 15-mile cycle and half-mile swim - as well as a duathlon every Monday and Friday of a 15-mile cycle and half-mile swim.

Rosie, who has done competitive swimming since she was 10, said: ‘I wanted to do this because my family has been really affected by cancer, and I’m normally in the pool six hours a week so I’m not getting the exercise I’m used to, so I thought I would mix the two together and raise money.

‘I’m looking forward to it but I am very nervous about it, it might be a struggle at first but I think I’ll get used to it.’

The challenge began on Monday, June 1, with 16.8 miles of cycling and a half-mile swim in a 12ft pool in her Gosport garden.

More than £200 has already been raised by Rosie’s efforts - with Cancer Research being her chosen cause as her nan, along with her nan’s five siblings, have all had a form of cancer, as well as other family members who have died from the disease.

This will keep Rosie focused on the challenge - although she already completed more than 120km of cycling in just one week for a separate challenge with her swimming club.

Rosie’s mum Theresa said: ‘I have absolutely no doubt that she can pull this off, I’m extremely proud of her.

‘I know she has struggled a bit in lockdown with not being able to see friends, so for her to take this on I thought it’s got to be good for her mental wellbeing.’

Keen artist Rosie, who attends Bridgemary School, has been keeping herself busy during lockdown by painting a huge rainbow of thanks for key workers on her house, and more recently duplicated the creation on her auntie’s home.

To donate, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/theresas-giving-page-69.

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