Panto star leads 'biggest ever' inclusive triathlon

THE “biggest ever” inclusive triathlon for people with disabilities in Hexham saw supporters including TV and panto star Danny Adams head to Wentworth Leisure Centre last weekend.

- SAM VOLPE Health reporter [e-mail]

The Reason To disability triathlon is in its 11th year and saw more than 60 people take part.

Competitors were as young as eight and had wide a range of disabilities. The event was the first of its kind in the UK when it began, organised by triathletes Jo Shallcross and Tracey Sample.

Thanks to specially-adapted equipment, 63 people were able to take part in a traditional triathlon with swimming, running and cycling legs. The event was sponsored by the SOS Group.

CBBC star and Theatre Royal pantomime legend Danny has been a longtime supporter of the event, while Paralympian Lyndon Longhorne who is from Crook and was the first ever quadruple amputee to complete an Iron Man also attended.

Organiser Jo was inspired to launch the event after seeing a youngster compete in something similar in Hawaii.