A FAMILY of Wirral marathon runners are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a charity close to their hearts when they take on a gruelling Ironman challenge next month.

Doctor Pauline Green and her children Jess, aged 25, and Will, aged 21, have completed more than 15 marathons between them but will face their biggest challenge yet when they take on the Austrian Ironman on June 29.

The Ironman, which is considered to be one of the hardest challenges in the world of sport, takes place in Klagenfurt and consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle ride, followed by a full 26.2-mile marathon.

The trio are hoping their participation in the event will allow them to raise £5,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

“Growing up on the Wirral – we feel it is a charity close to our hearts,” said Jess, who lives in London after moving from the family home in Noctorum when she was 18.

“Our hearts go out to the children and families who use the facilities and we hope that all of our hard work over the last few months will benefit the hospice.

“If we can achieve a smile from a child at Claire House then all of this has been worthwhile.

“We have been very blessed as a family and we are really very fortunate to be taking part in an event such as Ironman – we would love to be able to give back and support Claire House.”

Wirral Globe:
The trio have completed more than 15 marathons between them. Photo by Stuart Bogg Imaging.

The Green family are currently in the most critical stage of their training and have thrown themselves in at the deep end for what will be their very first triathlon.

“As a family we have a history of taking part in endurance sports events,” explained Jess.

“Taking part in Ironman was something that really appealed to mum, Will and I and seemed like the next step up from the marathons and endurance events.”

The family has been training six days a week, often doing five to six hour bike rides followed by 40 minute runs.

Wirral Globe:
The Green family has been training six days a week for the Ironman challenge. Photo by Stuart Bogg Imaging.

Jess added: “For me, the focus and perseverance that the training and events require makes it a very rewarding, albeit challenging, experience and can really change your perspective on all aspects of life for the better.

“We have a time limit of 17 hours to complete the Ironman in so we expect it to be a very very long day.”

To sponsor the Green family, visit justgiving.com/Will-Green2.