Two Scunthorpe men have conquered Italy’s only Ironman challenge against the historic backdrop of Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy, raising £3,456 to be split between two North Lincolnshire charities.
Jon Savage (48) and Craig Woodward (47) completed a 2.4 mile open water swim, followed by a 112 mile road bike, finished off with a marathon distance run in aid of Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs).
Having participated in five marathons previously, Jon was keen to take on the biggest Ironman challenge in Cervia, Italy and convinced friend Craig to join him.
Jon said: “We wanted to raise money for charities that were close to our hearts, as we both know personally how much they both help local people.”
The pair spent nine months training for the Ironman Triathlon, in which they biked 4,102 miles, ran 1,137 miles and swam 228 miles, building up a total training time of 566 hours.
Jon and Craig both completed the challenge in under 15 hours in 27 degree heat, with Jon finishing at 13 hours 22 minutes and Craig finishing at 14 hours 17 minutes.
Craig said: “It was such an incredible feeling at the finish line, the whole experience has been fantastic and we’re both looking forward to fundraising again in the future.
“We can’t believe the phenomenal support that we have received from everyone. The support from our wives and families has been incredible and we couldn’t have done this without them.”
Lindsey Lodge Hospice fundraiser Peter Dennis said: “What Jon and Craig have achieved is fantastic. They have raised a significant amount of money for both charities, and on behalf of everyone at Lindsey Lodge Hospice, I’d like to say a big thank you to them both.”
He added: “Every penny they’ve raised will go towards ensuring our patients and their families receive our specialist care and services when they need it most.”
Nina Shrimpton of SOBs said: “On behalf of SOBs I’d like to say thank you so much to Jon and Craig for their support. It has come as a great bonus for us and we are truly grateful to them both.”
