Superhero Sofia Crockatt leads the way for first-time triathlon charity challenge

Sofia with gold medal winning Paralympian Jonny Peacock

Junior ambassador for the charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), Sofia Crockatt, who lives in Leyland will line up with fundraisers for the special event, the first of the UK disability Superhero Series

The triathlon which is to be held at Dorney Lake in Windsor this weekend (August 19) looks set to be a fun, full-throttle challenge where people with disabilities call the shots.

They can team up with disabled and non-disabled family and friends to swim, bike and push/run as little or as much as they dare.

Sofia’s dad Nick Crockatt said: “Sofia was almost taken from us 10 years ago when she became ill with meningococcal septicaemia.

“She was a fighter and she survived the disease, and although it took her leg, it would never take her spirit.

“Sofia is excited to be part of this event which aims to challenge preconceptions of disability, whilst raising awareness of Sofia’s nemesis - meningitis.

“By raising funds for MRF we hope to take a step closer in eradicating the life-threatening disease. It’s also the first time we’re able to take part in something together as a family.”

Sofia will have six superhero teams which include two other people affected by meningitis and two celebrity Paralympians, Carly Tait, a TeamGB wheelchair racer and Jaryd Wallace, a US Paralympic sprint runner.

Sofia Crockatt, of Balcarres Road, lost her leg and almost died from meningococcal septicaemia in February 2007.

She had to spend three months in hospital when she was just two years old after contracting the childhood illness.

The damage to her lower limbs was so bad that the doctors had to amputate her left leg below the knee, and it took a long time for her to learn how to walk again using a prosthetic leg.

There are around 2000 people involved in the Superhero Series and Sofia has been selected as one of only four Ambassadors for the series.

To donate to MRF visit Sofia’s fundraising page visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/superheroteamsofia or text FIAS56 and the amount you want to donate to 70070.