Shelby Group directors Phil Taylor and Steve Tighe are to undertake a triathlon to fundraise for victims of the Manchester terror attack. The pair are training to complete the JLL Property Triathlon North, which is made up of an 800m swim, 20 km bike ride and 5km run. They are to be joined by colleagues Paul Roberts and Richard Oxley for the challenge on Friday 28th July.
Steve explained the team’s reason for undertaking the event:
We are a bunch of guys who all work near to the Manchester Arena. Manchester is an amazing city, and we feel moved to support the families and friends of anyone who may have been injured or lost their lives in the tragic bombing on 22nd May.
The team has so far had donation pledges totalling £1,305 for the We Love Manchester Charity. There are further details on the Just Giving page:
Here is a wry look at the team:
Paul Roberts (aka ‘The Coach’)
Paul is a keen runner with prior experience of the Salford triathlon, having completed it in 2016. Paul will ‘coach’ the other team members in the art of triathlon tactics by bolting out of the blocks and leaving us all well and truly behind!
Richard Oxley (aka ‘The Beacon’)
Richard can’t swim, at least not in the conventional sense, anyway. Richard’s credentials as an ex-professional rugby player will stand him in good stead for the bike and running legs – if he makes it through the swim leg. We have fitted a distress beacon to Richard’s wetsuit in case his doggy-paddle technique starts to fall apart.
Phil Taylor (aka ‘The Shuffler’)
Phil is an accomplished swimmer but confesses to not actually owning a bike or being able to complete the designated running distance. Phil has a history of knee operations which has left him with a gammy running style, known as ‘the shuffle’. When asked about his chances of completing the running leg, Phil commented:
Well, I’m following the couch-to-5K training plan. I’ve almost reached the 5K target but I tend to leave out the 2K warm up/down bits and struggle to keep running for the other 3K.
Steve Tighe (aka ‘The Mechanic’)
Steve has a history of mechanical back injuries, including a slipped-disc and torn ligaments. If Steve manages to make it into his wetsuit without physio intervention, it will be a minor miracle! Steve has never taken part in a triathlon or an open water swim before (unless you count the outdoor pool at Center Parcs). Steve commented:
This is probably a ridiculous idea!
