Dear reader and donor,

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

In 2019–2020, I was overweight and struggling with multiple health problems. Due to my weight and high blood pressure, I came close to suffering a brain haemorrhage. That experience changed my life. I decided to become healthier and stronger, both for myself and for my family, so I could be the best father possible when the time comes.

Today, at 35 years old, I've lost most of my excess weight through running, regular gym training, and cycling, and I'm fitter than ever.

In February 2025, I bought an affordable mountain bike to get back into cycling after many years away from the sport. Since then, I've progressed to riding hundreds of kilometres, but my trail bike has become a limiting factor. It's designed for off-road riding, not long-distance road cycling or racing, making it unsuitable for the events I'm training for and placing unnecessary strain on my body.

As I continued running, cycling, and taking part in races and challenges, I set myself a dream: to complete a full Ironman triathlon before I turn 40. My next step is to compete in a duathlon next year, but my current bike isn't suitable for that or for future triathlons.

Over the past few months, I've searched for a road bike that would serve me well for years, but the cost is beyond my current budget. That's why I'm asking for your support. The bike I'm hoping to buy is a Canyon Ultimate CF 7—everything I need to continue working towards my goal.

If you'd like to see how committed I am, you can follow my cycling journey on Strava:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/14345730

At the moment, my finances are focused on more essential living expenses, so buying a bike of this quality would likely be at least two years away. Sport has become my way of managing stress and overcoming life's challenges, and just a few years ago I never would have imagined that completing a triathlon could become a realistic goal.

Any additional funds will go towards essential cycling equipment, maintenance, race entry fees, and training expenses as I continue working towards completing a full Ironman before I turn 40.

I'm not asking someone else to make my dream happen. I've spent years changing my lifestyle, training consistently, and proving to myself that this goal is achievable. I'm simply asking for help with the one piece of equipment that has become the biggest barrier to my progress.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to the start line of my first duathlon and, ultimately, to my dream of becoming an Ironman.

Thank you for reading my story and for considering supporting my journey.