Preston dentist shows 'metal' by running Ironman in solidarity with his mum
Fulwood dentist Dr Chris Ball completed his first ever Ironman triathlon, raising £18,332.44 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation with his family’s help and in solidarity with his mother undergoing treatment.
“I know Chris and Michael want to help their mum and others in cancer treatment right now.”
A Preston dentist took part in his first competitive triathlon to help raise £18,332.44 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
Dr Chris Ball, from Fulwood, conquered the Ironman 70.3 Bolton race . Chris’ donation via his online fundraising page at included £9,000 in match funding from his brother Michael and Michael’s wife Helen.
Along with Chris’ wife Poppy and their children Primrose (three) and Cooper (one) and parents Philip and Vivienne, Michael, Helen and their four children were all at the Ironman’s finish line to cheer Chris home after his 1.2 mile swim in Pennington Flash, his 56 mile cycle around the Greater Bolton area and 13.1 mile half marathon, which finished in Bolton town centre.
Chris (36) runs Preston-based healthcare group Cure Clinics with his brother, pharmacist Michael (43). This group includes community pharmacy, private pharmacy, dentistry and healthcare technology businesses serving patients locally and across the UK. Both brothers wanted to support Rosemere Cancer Foundation in a show of solidarity with mum Vivienne, who was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary origin at the end of May.
Chris said: “Since last November, mum has been undergoing lots of tests and procedures but so far, doctors aren’t just sure where her cancer started. She is now currently half-way through a course of chemotherapy and we’re hoping that further scans and tests will show a good response to the treatment.
“Mum’s chemotherapy is at Blackpool Victoria Hospital but she has also received treatment at the Royal Preston Hospital and Rosemere Cancer Centre.”
Chris, who has committed to running next year’s London Marathon for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, continued: “I am so grateful to my family, friends and many patients for sponsoring me to take on the Ironman. Before I began my training, I played rugby and cycled so the event really took me out of my comfort zone.”
Sue Swire, fundraising manager for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “Huge congratulations to Chris on successfully completing the Ironman 70.3 Bolton race. It’s a massive achievement that requires many months of hard, dedicated training.
“Thank you to everyone who got behind Chris and helped him to blow his original fundraising target of £5,000 out of the water. I know Chris and Michael want to help their mum and others in cancer treatment right now. We will work to make sure this donation does just that.”
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, Lancashire and South Cumbria’s regional specialist cancer treatment and radiotherapy centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, and also at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties, including that at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
The charity funds the latest in cutting-edge equipment, clinical research, staff training and innovative services and initiatives that the NHS cannot afford in order to make patients' cancer journey more effective, comfortable and stress-free. For further information on its work, including how to make a donation, visit www.rosemere.org.uk
- You can donate via the fundraising page here: https://ironman703bolton.gofundraise.co.uk/page/ChrisBall-68871604