Grantham man who beat cancer set for virtual triathlon with cousin across two nations
Two cousins in two different countries will complete a full Olympic length triathlon to raise money for a kidney cancer charity.
Jack Swift and his cousin Phil Tietjen will be completing the triathlon virtually on July 25, as the London Triathlon was cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
However, while Jack sets out from his home on Harlaxton Road, Phil will complete the triathlon in the German town of Xanten.
Thirty-three-year-old Jack and 35-year-old Phil will undertake the daunting task of 1.5km outdoor swimming, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run, setting out at the same time.
The pair have currently raised more than £800 for the Kidney Cancer Support Network (KCSN), a charity which was a massive help for Jack after he was diagnosed with stage three kidney cancer back in 2018. In May 2018, the tumour was removed along with Jack’s right kidney and he has since had three all-clear scans.
Jack said: “The KCSN were a huge help to my family while I was going through this whole process. It is a patient-led network of kidney cancer patients, carers, and family members, affected by kidney cancer.
“My wife Jenni especially found their forums a great help as she could chat to other people up and down the country who were going through similar experiences.”
In June 2019, Jack completed his first 10km, while Phil did a charity cycle ride from Milton Keynes to Berlin that same year. It was while in Berlin that the two cousins found their next challenge.
Jack said: “Over a few beers one evening whilst visiting Phil in Berlin, the discussion somehow moved to us undertaking a big challenge together, and perhaps a triathlon.
“No idea where this came from, neither of us has completed a triathlon before! But the idea took root, and suddenly we found ourselves a few months later, all signed up to the London Triathlon.
“A few short years ago, the idea of doing a full Olympic length triathlon would have seemed ridiculous!
“I know it’s going to be hard but I want to push myself while I’m fit and healthy to do so.”
On June 18, it was Kidney Cancer Awareness Day. Find out more about the disease or symptoms on the KCSN website.
You can follow Jack and Phil’s progress by visiting the Tri-Hard Facebook page, while to donate to the fund-raiser, visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/tri-hard