Melton taxi driver Mark to embark on charity fitness quest of a lifetime

Iron-willed cabbie Mark Faulkner, of Doctors Lane, Melton, is pushing himself to the limit to complete a gruelling triathlon followed by running a half marathon, just three weeks later.

Mark is set to take the start line of the The Outlaw Half Ironman in Nottingham on Sunday, May 29. His task will challenge him to swim 1.2 miles, cycle 56 miles and run 13 miles.

His other half marathon, the Road2Recovery run, organised by fundraiser Claire Lomas, takes place at Eye Kettleby Lakes on Sunday, June 19.

The thirty-year-old is part owner of Elaine’s Taxis and has been driving for seven years. This is the first time he has attempted anything like this having not swam for the best part of 20 years.

Mark is hoping to raise £1,500 in aid of The Team Rossi Foundation, a charity set up to put a smile on children’s faces who suffer from leukaemia.

He said: “The charity visit children in hospital taking them gifts and organise day trips out for families as the parents often have to give up work to help care for their children.

“They are currently trying to raise £5,000 so they can buy every child in the Nottingham area, being treated with a PICC line, a dry suit, so they can go swimming.

“I am doing this for a good friend of mine Ryan Dustan who’s son Oscar was diagnosed with leukaemia a couple of years ago.”

Mark has been training relentlessly since August. Some days he even gets up at 6am to go swimming before he starts work.

He added: “I run every Monday night with the Melton Running Club and work permitting, I aim to run,swim and cycle at least twice a week.

“As of May, my swim training will move outdoors in preparation for the open water swim in the triathlon.

“In the beginning when I first told me family this is what I wanted to do they thought I was abit nuts, but they’ve seen how determined I am, and have supported me from the start. I can’t wait for them to see me cross the finish line.

“I would like to say massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far and hopefully with the support and generosity of everyone I will smash my £1,500 target.”

l To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/2y3f4kh6