Ian is Ironman for charity triathlon

A KIND-HEARTED Larne man is gearing up for a 65km Ironman-style triathlon challenge to raise money for a worthy cause.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2012, 00:01 BST

Ian Dearie, manager at the local branch of O2, has volunteered to cycle, row and run from Larne to Magherafelt as part of the Think Big initiative.

The aim of the UK-wide project is to raise £100,000 to support social action projects led by young people in their communities. Over 100 O2 stores in 116 towns will be getting involved in the Tour de O2, a mammoth relay challenge which started in Bangor on Monday and finishes in London on October 26. It involves staff members carrying a baton from store-to-store by foot, by scooter, by roller blade, by boat, by bike, by donkey and lots of other innovative and creative ways.

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And Ian’s big day will take place on Wednesday, August 1, when he will cycle from Larne to Staffordstown (52.3km), kayak across part of Lough Neagh to Ballyronan (4km), then complete the journey by running the final leg from Ballyronan to Magherafelt (8km).

Ian is now urging local people to get behind him by calling into the O2 shop at Laharna Retail Park and donating to the cause. Anyone who sponsors Ian will be entered into a prize draw, with the chance of winning two guest passes for Belsonic to see Two Door Cinema Club perform. Other prizes include cinema tickets and vouchers for local eateries such as Dominos Pizza, Blue Chicago Grill and The streat.

“I am very excited to be involved in the Tour de 02 and proud to be representing our local O2 branch,” said Ian. “I have not done kayaking in a few years, but I will give it my all as it is for a good cause.”

Rebecca Dean, organiser of the Tour de O2 added: “Everyone at O2 is committed to helping young people make a positive difference in their communities. The stores have a big geographical footprint across the UK and the Tour de O2 is a wonderful opportunity for them to come together in support of O2 Think Big and young people.

“The money raised will allow young people to apply for funding to support projects that can dramatically change their own and other people’s lives for the better.”

More at http://www.o2.co.uk/thinkbig

Related topics:Larne