Chester brings ironman fundraiser to the New Forest

A NEW Forest man has completed one of the toughest endurance challenges and raised more than £3,000 to boost an initiative protecting male health.

Chester Allen, 24, originally intended to complete the Barcelona Ironman on 4th October but the race was suspended due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rather than let his training go to waste, he decided to complete the event with the support of family and friends in the New Forest.

When speaking on his motivation to complete the challenge, Chester said: “My grandad John passed away from prostate cancer, he had a hard slog for the last five years of his life facing off against cases of pneumonia and cancer, which changed his life and, eventually, took him from us.

“The idea came about after finishing the Bournemouth Marathon, which was horrendous, so I thought ‘let’s definitely swim and cycle for a combined 100+ miles as a warm-up next time’.

“Joking aside, I’m sure most people know or have known someone like my grandad John, whose body has been devastated and life taken away by cancer.

“That’s why I’m putting my body through hell to raise money for the Movember Foundation which supports men and their families who are dealing with prostate cancer, testicular cancer, suicide prevention and mental health issues.

His training for the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run challenge began in March just as the nation went into lockdown. He completed the swim in 63 minutes at Hordle Cliffs where he was supported by swimmers from the Lymington Triathlon Club (LTC) and his friend Ben Smith.

After the swim, he made his way up the steps while removing his wetsuit where he transitioned for the cycle. He was then joined by another member of the LTC, John Paulson.

The ride took them on loops through Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst with various friends and family cheering him on along the way.

Chester transitioned for the run in Hordle, before making his way through Milford and along the Lymington sea wall, with his parents supporting on bikes.

He completed the impressive feat in 10 hours 56 minutes.

So far Chester has raised £3,000. To donate, visit bit.ly/3kqMYtt