By Local Coach & PT takes on ‘Lake Windermere Triathlon’ in heartwarming charity drive
A local woman is taking on the Lake Windermere Triathlon in a heartwarming effort to raise money for Willow Special Days.
Around 12 years ago, a young Josie experienced her brother’s Special Day with him which gave her and the family memories they’ve kept close to their heart ever since his passing. He passed away on 22/09/09 at the age of 22.
Josie wrote a statement, which was featured on the Willow Foundation’s social media page, it read:
“Ever since I lost my brother to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2009 at the age of 12, I’ve always had in my mind I want to fundraise for The Willow Foundation. They provided me and my family with a very special trip to remember.
“We went to watch the NFL at Wembley Stadium in VIP, 5-star hotel, a person chauffeur the lot. The best part for me at the age of 11 was the mini bar hah! It was a truly amazing trip for me and my family and provided good memories for us before he passed.
“As when someone is terminally ill you sometimes struggle to remember happy memories, so the gift that The Willow Foundation give is priceless.
“As I grew older the urge to do a fundraiser was more prominent in my mind…but what? I wanted to do something that would challenge me.
“My brother was in the RAF before he got ill he was super fit. So now at the age of 24 working as a CrossFit Coach and PT. I thought something to do with fitness would be a perfect fit.
“My specialties being in heavy lifting and short workouts! Therefore the perfect challenge would be a Triathlon.
“So far it has been a tough challenge mentally and physically. A lot of ups and downs. Frustration. Elation. Fear. Wish me luck!”
Alongside her tireless workout routine and working as a CrossFit Coach and PT, Josie also runs ‘Studio 97’, which provides “Groovy nails for groovy gals”. Josie is a fully qualified Magpie nail technician and operates in the Cleethorpes area.
Fundraiser by Josephine Desforges: Josie’s Triathlon for The Willow Foundation (gofundme.com)
