MEET OUR IRON MEN

29 May 2024

AFFECTIONATELY KNOWS AS THE LEOPARDS IN LYCRA

We would like to introduce to you our iron men! Not to be confused with men that iron (although I am sure a few of them do) but men made of iron, the type of men that are a bit squishy on the outside but hard as nails on the inside!

Our iron men have dug into the depths of their souls to find the strength, determination, and grit to take on IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton on Sunday 30th June, an incredibly difficult and arduous challenge (and that’s just squeezing into those leopard tri suits!!).

Born from years of standing on the sidelines cheering on so many incredible athletes and always wondering ‘Is it possible?’ our team of seven are now confident that they really do have what it takes.

Meet the Leopards in Lycra; an ex-international rugby player, a window cleaner, a couple of sundeckers, a strategist, an IT geek and a leopard man… what could possibly be unachievable about that?

Despite the obstacles and personal difficulties they are overcoming with every advance they make towards the start line these guys are committed to what they have set out to do and that is to complete the IRONMAN 70.3 and raise some vital support and funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Leopard Man, Derek Beaumont, owner of the Leigh Leopards, alongside David Bradbury, Adam Bibey, James O’Dwyer, Brian Beaumont, Dean Williams, and Mark Lee make up the Lycra clad ‘leap of leopards’ and they are on a mission to cross that line no matter what, to show their immense appreciation for the care and support provided by the hospice within their community.

Derek said: “Having done numerous, extensive bike rides for charity I needed to challenge myself and my colleagues, from both the club and business, to be able to generate as much as possible for Wigan and Leigh hospice.

“I visited them with the Challenge Cup last year and I was overwhelmed by the work that they do. When I was shown around by Amy and James I had no idea of the extent of the work and was completely enlightened, having initially thought it was where people went to crossover to the other side. Whilst I was there I had my picture taken with a lady who was being picked up to go home, having enjoyed respite at the hospice whilst her family also enjoyed some down time, which I just thought was incredible.

“It really is a remarkable place represented by some remarkable people and this visit made me realise that it was a place of hope.

“Living in Bolton, I have watched IRONMAN UK many times and always admired the people who take on the challenge. I had always thought I had no hope of doing that, even if I conquered the swim and bike in the time I couldn’t even walk a half marathon, let alone run one. This visit made me think that I should draw inspiration from the hospice and give myself hope like they give to so many and so I asked around to see if any of our cyclists at work fancied it. They responded with concerns about the swim but after training hard for a couple of months and secretly signing up for it we feel we are now ready to put our necks on the block and there is no turning back.

“We wouldn’t refer to ourselves as iron men, although Jimmy and Mark already are, but rather MAMILLS (middle aged men in leopard Lycra) or mild steel men may be more appropriate. Together we have helped each other along the way to face our fears and we still have a long way to go to be game day ready but we are fortunate to have Dave Roberts and the infamous Martyn Clarke to give us lots of help and advice. I have also been fortunate enough to receive some training from GB IRON Man Age Group Competitor, Don Whiley, so if I don’t crawl out of the flash in time he is to blame not me!!

“I would like to thank all those who have pledged their support to sponsor our kit and to those embarking on a journey they never had any hope of but being prepared to do whatever it takes. As well as wishing ourselves luck I wish everyone else the best of luck taking part for whatever reasons or causes! See you at the finish line!”

The Leopards in Lycra have been extremely thankful for the support from Patrick, who are designing and manufacturing their tri suits in the signature spots alongside the local businesses who have agreed to appear on the kits to further support their fundraising efforts. Struktura, ADW Electrical Ltd, HydraMed, Xtract.com, Homes Together, Park Holidays UK, ABI UK, iDuct.co.uk, Meadow Springs Holiday Park, Link Supplies, Nant Newydd Caravan Park, Thornley Leisure Parks, First Steps Vehicle Solutions, AB Sundecks and ESSCE have all so generously offered to sponsor their efforts and for this they are forever grateful.

Not only does it raise vital funds but also gives the team the boost they need, knowing that so many people in the community are right behind them and their reasons for taking on this mighty challenge and how they are supporting this amazing charity.

Wigan and Leigh Hospice look after people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal illness, supporting the ‘whole needs’ of individual patients including their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Wigan and Leigh Hospice cares for more than 1200 people in the community each year and admitting around 250 people every year to their inpatient unit for symptom management or end of life care as well as caring for people in their own homes. The hospice has to raise £4.4 million every year to ensure they can deliver these services to those who need them.

The Leopards in Lycra are hoping to further add to their funds by achieving their own goals and reaching out to those who support them to spread the word far and wide and encourage anyone and everyone to make any donations, no matter how big or small. What may seem like an insurmountable task is made achievable when everyone works together. From a penny to a pound, from a share or a like please show these guys and the hospice your support by getting behind these lads and letting them know that actually ‘It is possible!’

https://www.justgiving.com/page/men-of-iron-bolton