Multiple Triathlon challenge boosts bereavement suite with £1,000 donation

A friend of a couple who lost a baby have raised over £1,500 by taking on an epic triathlon challenge.

Jason Colby, from Southend, decided to attempt the challenge to raise awareness and support for other families facing similar situations when he saw his friends coping with the grief of losing their baby.

For 12 weeks, Jason took on the challenge of completing an Olympic distance triathlon each week. These triathlons were spread over three days, covering a 40-kilometre cycle, a 10-kilometre run, and a 1.5-kilometre swim.

That translates to cycling the equivalent from London to Carlisle, a run covering the distance from London to Peterborough, and a swim halfway across the English Channel, raising a fantastic £1,520.

Jason said: “I wouldn’t have been able to complete this challenge and raise such a great amount of money without the support and help of my family, friends, colleagues at the Metropolitan Police and fellow players at Fairfax Saxon FC.

“Digging deep to show support to not only to my fundraising goal, but to my friends that went through the most horrific experience, and to helping other families experiencing loss has been a privilege to witness.”

The Butterfly Suite, a welcoming room at Southend Hospital for bereaved parents experiencing baby loss, received £1,000. The rest of the fund was donated to another charity.

This donation will support the specialised team of midwives at the hospital in providing extra comforts for parents and their families, helping them to create lasting memories.