qualifications. I spent the following two years with Carefoot Construction based in Longridge near Preston as a General Foreman and Site Manager before starting a full time four-year degree programme at University College Chester. This was September 1995, the time I joined the company that would over next twenty two years evolve into The Forshaw Group Ltd with myself as joint Managing Director of a leading, award winning Insurance Building Repair Specialist.
Tri-4-Life is a charitable organisation that you founded. Why did you originally set it up? Tri-4-life is the realisation of a simple dream- to bring people together in remembrance and friendship whilst spreading a positive message and reaching out a hand of friendship from Merseyside to all the cities, communities and individuals that share this journey. It has brought us so many diverse challenges and allowed for amazing experiences all over the world. To be able to achieve this together with your family and friends is unique and extremely rewarding. For a group of average everyday friends brought together by a vision, passion and enthusiasm through a common interest in the sport of triathlon. Keeping fit, raising funds and having fun with everything it has to offer. For me personally, it’ s about getting up off your backside and making a difference to your community, your family, yourself and your life whilst raising much-needed funds for those less fortunate. The experience has enriched all aspects of my life and I very much looking forward to many more tri-4- life challenges to come and will once again be venturing across the Mighty River Mersey on Saturday 26th August 2017.
Tell us about some of the Tri-4-Life challenges? We have undertaken some very gruelling challenges. Our European Challenge 2006, was a non-stop cycle relay of 958 miles from John‘ O’ Groats to Land’ s End followed by an official two team 23-mile relay swim across the English Channel from Shakespeare point to Cape Griz Nez under the none wetsuit Channel Swimming Association rules. Although the swim did not go exactly to plan due to timing and tidal conditions, we completed the full distance and headed to Cape Giz Nez. After completing the swim, we completed the non-stop 150-mile relay run to the European Capital Brussels, finishing the event at the European Parliament. The tri-4-life European Challenge 2006 raised thousands of pounds for local, regional, national and international charities. Returning from Brussels at that time I had no idea the impact this would have for me and the future of the team. 2015 saw the team take on a challenge that was the BIG 7 SWIM Extreme. With lots of opportunity to swim in local waters, many of which had never been attempted as an organised event. The team swam in all bodies of water that surround the Wirral Peninsula. To once again experience the tidal flow of the mighty River Mersey, and explore the tranquil dark waters of West Kirby in the Dusk till Dawn night swim. We enjoyed the picturesque River Dee on a tidal surge from Thursaston to West Kirby and Hilbre Island to West Kirby, navigating formidable sandbanks in the company of Harbour / Spotted and Atlantic Grey seals. The most challenging swim was crossing the River Dee from The Prince of Wales in Flint to West Kirby. The conditions on the day were far from perfect requiring some alterations to the swim plan. In a build up to the final swim, the team completed a six-mile two-way swim of Bala Lake in North Wales. The final swim of the challenge was a 10.5-mile solo swim of Lake Windermere that ten members of tri-4-life completed. This event again raised funds for a number of worthwhile charities.
What is it like to swim the River Mersey? Of all the swims I have done the River Mersey is always the one I am drawn back to and excited by the prospect of the challenge each year. In all the year’ s I have swam the Mersey, no two swims have been the same. The tide, the wind, the water temperature and slight seasonal changes create a‘ never knowing’ element to this iconic swim. The traditional swim is non-wet suit so hypothermia has always been the biggest threat to me. There have been years where swimmers have suffered more from jelly fish stings and‘ Sea Bees’, the occasional floating debris and of course the busy shipping channels. For me, this must be a‘ bucket list’ event for any competent open water swimmer.
You have to be extremely fit to be an open water swimmer, what is your diet like? I would say I have a sensible, uncomplicated diet. I just enjoy good wholesome food and probably too many cakes and biscuits. I use Herbalife nutrition products to balance my diet and help with additional requirements when training for and competing in these challenging events.
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