Lily tackles triathlon to support FORCE

A nursing assistant from Exeter will tackle her first triathlon next weekend to raise money for the charity that supported her during the most difficult 18 months of her life.

Lily Holman is taking part in the Roadford Lake Triathlon on Sunday May 21.

She is doing it in aid of FORCE Cancer Charity, which offers free support to anyone locally affected by the disease.

Lily takes up the story: “My amazing dad Patrick Holman passed away very suddenly last March due to cancer.

“He was a beautiful, bright and enthusiastic person with the most hilarious sense of humour. His nickname was Paddy the Party.

Challenge

“It’s been such a challenge with him gone but I know he would be so proud of me for doing this, and also for raising money for such a fantastic charity.

“After what has been the most difficult 18 months of my life, I have decided to challenge myself by doing a sprint triathlon.

“My mum, Maja, also battled cancer twice last year and has come out the other side a stronger, more powerful woman than ever before.

“I am doing this for them both.

“FORCE was there for me during my darkest time when I was going to hospital appointments with mum and visiting dad in his final days at the RD&E.

Support

“They supported me and my family through what I believe to be the most difficult obstacle for someone to go through, losing a parent.

“I would love to be able to give back to FORCE so they can continue all their hard work in supporting others who have to deal with this awful disease.”

Lily has been training hard, four or five days a week, for months to prepare for the Roadford event, which involves a 750 metre swim in the reservoir, a 20 kilometre bike ride and a 5K run.

“Hopefully I’m ready!” said Lily, a nursing assistant on the mental health ward at Franklyn Hospital and community support worker.

Former FORCE oncology support specialist Sarah Delfont is a family friend visited Patrick in hospital.

Amazing

“She recommended FORCE and was a huge support to the family. I don’t know what we would have done without her,” said Lily.

The charity’s Support Centre is just across the car park from the hospital’s Oncology Centre.

“I had an amazing massage and was offered counselling. I probably could have taken advantage of a lot more. FORCE was the place I could just come to for a cup of tea and have a cry if I needed and that was OK. There was always a warm welcome.

Everyone there is amazing. I had a lot of calls from FORCE, checking that I was alright, and that support goes a very long way. When friends shied away from making contact, FORCE was there to help. The job you do is so important.”

Lily set herself a goal of raising £500 in sponsorship but has already smashed that. You can support her and FORCE at justgiving.com/fundraising/lily-holman1