'Fat boys' raise funds at IRONMAN for Signature of Hope Trust

Mike Fannin, Area Manager at the deVere Group

These selfless chaps put their hearts, souls and bodies on the line for the greater good. Mike Fannin, Area Manager at the deVere Group, completed the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run in 14h50 minutes, whilst Bryan Austen, Financial Officer at the group, did the course in 15h52 minutes. "They call it IRONMAN, and for good reason. This is definitely the toughest thing I have ever done, but also without a doubt the most rewarding," said Fannin.

Each triathlete experiences the 'Hurt Locker'. Fannin hit a 'wall' during the windy cycle section of the challenge, which he described as, "Easily my darkest hour, and probably the closest I came to quitting, but the fans were incredible, screaming my name and urging me on every time I slowed."

Bryan Austen, Financial Officer at the deVere Group

Austen struggled most during the last stretch of the running section, but was also driven on by the crowd's support. "As I hit the red carpet I forgot all the pain and exhaustion and ran up that finishing ramp as if I had won the event! What a feeling! I did it!"

Others lost along the way

The third 'fat boy', David Taitz made it to the cycle stage but unfortunately missed the first cut-off point at the 90km mark due to severe cramps. He was forced to retire from the race.

In fact the training programme alone was so gruelling that Liezel 'Slim' van der Westhuizen had to withdraw prior to the race due to injury. Liezel was pivotal in this fundraising initiative and continues to support the work that Signature of Hope does.

Mike Fannin concludes, "The realisation of the dream is what made the moment so special, and to join the elite club of people who have done this race is a moment we will never forget. Thanks for all the support we got from all of you, we truly did something special."