Longton boy takes on dualthon for St Catherine's Hospice

A seven-year-old boy who cheered his mum on in her first charity triathlon decided to follow in her footsteps '“ signing up to a children's duathlon in memory of his grandma.

Eddie Otter was inspired by mum Anne who had set herself the challenge of doing something positive in tribute to her mother Clare Walmsley.

Clare had been a long-standing supporter of St Catherine’s Hospice – making regular donations and being a member of the hospice lottery – so the duo decided to raise funds for the charity in her memory.

The pair took part in the North West Triathlon - Anne did a Sprint Triathlon and Eddie did a children’s duathlon.

Anne, a police officer from Longton, explained: “I started going out running regularly to clear my head, after my mum suddenly died in December 2016 following a short illness.

“It was then that I decided to sign myself and Eddie up to a challenge and to have something positive to focus on. We decided to do it for my mum and St Catherine’s.”

Keen cyclists, the family started to train together with regular rides through Avenham Park, as well as swimming.

Eddie said: “I really enjoyed my first duathlon, I had to run, cycle and then run again – cycling was my favourite part.”

St Catherine’s fund-raising officer, Hayley Jackson, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Anne and Eddie for raising a fantastic £200 for the hospice. Their brilliant efforts and continued support mean we’re able to continue providing our specialist palliative and end-of-life care to local people, now and in the future.”