Duncan Philips

Supporting a charity is commendable. Throwing yourself completely into a challenge is just as commendable. Combining the two? Well, that's something that Duncan Philips has done, and the Trust has greatly benefitted from Duncan's own commitment and dreams.

Running from Marble Arch down to Dover sounds tough enough. Now add on a swim across the Channel and a cycle from Calais down to the Arc de Triomphe.

Now think about doing this, with no background in professional sport. This is what Duncan did. A local businessman from Dame Kelly's home county of Kent, Duncan set himself this challenge. 

He soon realised what was needed to complete this challenge; determination, hard work, belief, commitment with an end goal. Duncan then saw the Trust as a perfect fit so he made the decision to support Dame Kelly's charity whilst pushing himself to new limits.

Duncan's preparation for this began many months ago. He even came to the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in support of the Trust in February 2011, where Dame Kelly met Duncan and thank him for his fundraising support.

Duncan began his challenge in mid September, where he completed the first phase of the Enduroman Triathlon with no real problems. Throughout the run, and in the build-up, Duncan was also able to secure some fantastic coverage, when he was interviewed by the BBC.

Duncan entered the swim in high spirits, but unfortunately a ruptured shoulder halted his progress. After swimming for hours on end without the use of an arm, the shoulder eventually got the better of Duncan and the remainder of the challenge was put in hold.

Duncan has gone on record saying he will complete the cycle. This is just another example of the determined nature of a man who has attempted one of the toughest sporting challenges around (only 9 people to date have completed the challenge).

After the challenge, Duncan caught up with the Trust, at a time when he has raised almost £2,000 for Dame Kelly's charity.

"This was without any doubt one of the most exciting challenges of my life. Despite the sustained shoulder injury, I don't have any regrets, and I have some amazing memories from the experience.

"The TV and radio coverage obtained much exposure for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and I would certainly do it all again. It far exceeded my expectations and was an incredible experience."


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