Julian’s ready for the challenge of a lifetime

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julian Arthur has always been a big-hitting batsman with Cresselly Cricket Club but would readily admit to being a couch potato for much of his time until an illness to a young second cousin caused him to make a life-changing decision.

 

Rudy Cole is just 14 months old and suffers from multiple hemangeomas, which are blood-filled tumours. He receives special treatment in Somerset under the auspices of the ‘Brainwaves’ charity so Julian decided it was time to show solidarity with them by helping out. Julian’s target has been to take part in the Mumbles Triathlon, which takes place this Saturday (22nd June) – and although a little nervous he is ready for the challenge!

 

 

Julian had shoulder reconstruction three years ago but a recent check-up revealed that they were starting to fray and any sudden, sharp movement would cause severe damage, so he was advised  it was time to stop playing the summer sport he has always loved so much.

 

We let Julian tell us what happened next:

“I had wanted to lose weight for a while but struggled with the odd bit of training and realised that I needed something a little bit more rigorous – and the thought of helping Rudy was just the stimulus I needed.

“It was tough at first but since September last year I have gradually built up the amount of work I do and now actually enjoy the swimming, running and cycling!

 

 

“My training consists of work-outs every day apart from Monday. I usually swim twice a week in the swimming pool, completing 40-50 lengths and one sea swim. On the other days I complete a six-mile run once a week, three 15-mile sprint cycle sessions and on one of these days I do a three-mile run straight after I have got off the bike.

On the other days I will just do a small run of two or three miles, all of which is helping my weight loss as since I have lost nearly two and a half stone.”

 

“I would also  like to mention that it has been a life changing experience for me as not exactly being the fittest person around (as Bill Carne will know)  I now am able to swim one mile, cycle a maximum of 70 miles and four weeks ago ran 14 miles!

 

Great family and friends’ support

 

“I would also like to mention my wife Sallie who not only has had to put up with 15 years of cricket, cricket, cricket, she has now has supported my training late at night and early morning swims, leaving home some mornings at 6.30am to travel to Haverfordwest to get a swim in before work! My two boys Oliver and Charlie, have also been great.

 

“So far I have raised just over £1,000 for the ‘Brainwaves’ charity and am hoping to get to £1,500. I have had great support from my Cresselly pals, my colleagues in work at County Hall and other sports players – but if there are others who would like to help through ‘Just Giving.com. I would be delighted to hear from them because it really is a worthwhile cause.

 

 

“I have been lucky to have help from Sion Jenkins, my Cresselly colleague who is also involved in triathlons, and the event at the Mumbles is now very close – but I feel my training has made me ready. I am definitely not going to win it, but I am just hoping to finish in one piece!”  

Stop Press – Since the writing of this article Julian has seen his surgeon again and because of his fitness improvement he might be able to take part for Cresselly 2nds or 3rds in the future, as long as he doesn’t throw himself about!