Lyla Bramah is 12, far below 18, the minimum age to participate in the Ironman triathlon. But she has embarked on a gruelling unofficial half Ironman, hard enough for some adults. Over the course of three days, she set herself the challenge of swimming 1.
2 metres of open water in Salford Quays, cycling 56 metres and running a half marathon. She completed it in two. All to raise £1,500 for the Willow Foundation, a charity that helped her family during a difficult time.
Lyla, of Lostock, says: “Last year, my mum had breast cancer and I wanted to do something to raise money for one of the charities that helped us out while she was sick". That year, the family could not go on their holiday as one of her mother's operation fell on the day. But Willow Foundation stepped in to fill the gap.
Lyla says: " Willow Foundation gave us a free holiday at Alton Towers for a night and we got to spend time together. It was definitely worth it". The Willow Foundation treats people living with a life-threatening illness to “special days” or trips organised around their interests.
She says: "We were going through different options to raise money for the charity. Because we live in Bolton where they do the actual Ironman, I thought I want to do that". Lyla Bramah and family (left to right: Chris Bramah, Malachi Bramah, Lyla Bramah, Sara Bramah) (Image: Chris Bramah) Lyla's family was supportive and she began a training regimen.
She says: "I had to do a lot of training for it. I've been out with my bike with my mum, I’ve been running after school and I swim for a club three times a week anyway, so that’s helped On Saturday, Lyla swam 1.2 metres in open water and cycled 32 miles.
The next day, she finished cycling 24 miles and ran a half marathon in one go. Ironman UK sent an official medal, rucksack and T-shirt that she was presented with at the end of the race. Lyla says: "I was a bit nervous because it’s a long way and obviously tough, but I was really excited.
I had quite a few of my friends coming along to support me and it was a great atmosphere". Her father Chris, a personal trainer, says: “She finished it a day earlier than we expected, all within two days. Lyla Bramah (Image: Chris Bramah) “I train adults and even for them to take that on is a huge achievement, but for a 12-year-old to do it is just phenomenal.
“My wife, Sarah, and I are both unbelievably proud of what Lyla’s taken on herself. She’s an amazing kid.” To give to Lyla’s appeal, visithttps://justgiving.
com/page/lyla-bramah?utm_medium.
