Father of four smashes EG Tri for charity

Andy Irvine of Ashurst Wood took on a triathlon to raise vital funds for a local children’s charity Jigsaw (South East)

A local father and racing stables owner successfully completed the EG Sprint Tri on Sunday 13 May raising vital funds for local bereavement charity, Jigsaw (South East).

Andy Irvine, completed the allotted 400-metre swim, 26-kilometre cycle ride and a five-kilometre run in a total of 01:28:25, achieving a very respectable 89th place out of more than 240 competitors. His aim was to raise £2,000 for Jigsaw (South East), which supports bereaved families and those facing the devastating loss of a loved one through serious illness. But with sponsorships still coming in, the amount has already reached £2,400 – and there is still time.

Speaking after the event, Andy said: “I absolutely loved it, it was a real pleasure to be able to raise some money for you and I hope it goes a small way in helping.”

Andy, who has done the EG Tri before, says he felt compelled to choose Jigsaw (South East) as his nominated charity because his wife and business partner, Zoe Davison, has been receiving treatment since discovering a tumour in the back of her neck two years ago, which sadly resulted in a secondary breast cancer diagnosis.

Andy said: “You just wouldn’t know that Zoe is ill – she looks great and is still working as hard as ever at the stables. I lost my Dad when I was 20 so I can imagine how difficult it must be for children to lose a parent and I can see how valuable the work of Jigsaw (South East) can be in helping families come to terms with what is happening.”

The couple, who have four daughters aged 14, 16, 24 and 30 (and three granddaughters aged three, three and four), are great supporters of local charities having used their business – Shovelstrode Racing Stables in Ashurst Wood – as the venue for a number of charity fun days, most recently for Kent Air Ambulance.

Sophie Bewley, Jigsaw (South East’s) Fundraising Coordinator said:

“We were delighted to have been contacted by Andy saying he was going to do the EG Tri and raise funds for Jigsaw (South East). We’re a small local charity that is reliant on the amazing efforts of local heros like Andy, who are willing to put themselves through tough physical challenges in order to support local causes. These individuals really are the lifeblood of our charity.”

Based at East Court Mansion in East Grinstead since 2005, the charity offers support to children and young people who have a family member with a serious, life-limiting condition. It also provides grief support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a significant family member through illness, accident, suicide or murder (through groups in Reigate and Guildford and East Grinstead).

Sponsor Andy now!

Visit his JustGiving page here.