Angela Paterson

I became involved with Breakthrough when I joined the first Booby Birds skydive a few years ago and it was a life changing experience. The support from the Breakthrough team was excellent and I was so impressed with the focus they had on tackling breast cancer – both at a local as well as national level. I had a scare when I was a teenager and again in my early twenties and it made me feel very fortunate to have escaped what can be a fatal disease.

I wanted to do the Virgin London Triathlon as I felt it was important to commit to something that would have a big impact on my life – that would seriously challenge me whilst embracing healthy living. And all the while raising cash! Getting another 25 people to come on the journey with me just seemed like a no-brainer – and they have been great both in terms of fundraising and general motivation. We are all rookies, new to triathlons, and with full time jobs and busy lives – but committed to the cause. We are all terrified of swimming in the Thames but together we’ll do it. I’ve made friends for life.

So far we’re about half way to our £20k target – but with some fun events coming up in the last few weeks, and a huge push through our personal and social networks (and your help?) – we’ll make it! www.ttrookies.co.uk