Run, swim and pedal for XLP charity (From Romsey Advertiser)

Run, swim and pedal for XLP charity

7:40am Friday 18th March 2011 in News

ROMSEY is to play host to its fourth triathlon, raising funds for life-saving research.

Swimming, running and cycling will again take place at locations around the town for the annual XLP Research Trust Triathlon.

The XLP Research Trust charity was set up by the Hartley family, from Romsey, after their four sons were all diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening genetic condition.

The 20-mile event, on Sunday, April 24, will see competitors complete a quarter-mile swim, 16 lengths of the pool at the Romsey Rapids, then a 16.4-mile bike ride from Romsey to Lockerly and back and finally a 3.7-mile run around the centre of town, up to Fishlake Meadows and back. It usually raises around £8,000.

Joshua, 19, Nathan, 17, Daniel, 15, and Luke Hartley, 11, were diagnosed in November, 2003, with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease or Duncan’s Syndrome.

Following a public appeal for donors through the Anthony Nolan Trust, to which more than 16,000 people responded, matches were found for all four brothers and they underwent bone-marrow transplants.

Although the oldest and youngest brothers are still receiving medical treatment, all are recovering well and Daniel hopes to complete the swim as part of a team for the second year running.

Triathlon organisers want to attract up to 100 individuals and teams of up to three and a range of experience is welcomed.

They are also looking for businesses to sponsor the start and finish as well as provide prizes and goody bags for competitors.

Entry costs £25 for an individual and £35 for a team of two or three, but it is hoped that entrants will also raise sponsorship for the cause.

The XLP Research Trust funds international research into the cause, inheritance, diagnosis, treatment and management of XLP in the hope of developing a cure.

For more information, visit xlpresearchtrust.org or call 01794 521077.