Independent forecourt retailer Julian Holliss is embarking on an extreme triathlon to help raise funds for CLIC Sargent and the Derriford Childrens Cancer Service (DCCS).

The owner of Devon-based Holliss Service Stations, which operates three forecourts, will be traversing the county of Devon from North to South in a day, covering approximately 130 miles, together with three friends.

The team will cycle 100 miles overnight from Foreland Point on the north coast to the town of Totnes, then paddle 11 miles down the River Dart to the town of Dartmouth, where Julian’s 12-year-old daughter Jemma will join them for the final 20 miles on foot along the south west coastal path to Prawle Point, the most southerly point in Devon. The gruelling challenge will finish at the Pigs Nose pub!

Julian has chosen CLIC Sargent and DCCS charities, which provide expert practical, emotional and financial support to the families of children diagnosed with cancer, after they helped local boy Ben Baldry. “He was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a year of chemotherapy and intensive treatment,” explained Julian. “His family had to put normal life on hold while they looked after their son. Throughout that period they were supported by these two inspirational charities.

“I was in the same class as Ben’s mum Tracy at school, played rugby and toured with his dad Kevin, and a very long time ago his Grandad Keith was my Scoutmaster. Nowadays, I coach Ben’s little brother Toby who plays in my own son’s rugby team at Kingsbridge RFC, where Ben himself can be seen training on Friday evenings. My daughter Jemma is a pupil alongside Ben at Kingsbridge Community College and she has also decided to use this event to cut her endurance teeth and join the fundraising effort.

“We hope to complete the challenge in around 16 hours and knowing that we’re raising funds for such a great cause will help to keep us going.”

Julian has put flyers up at each of his sites to promote fundraising efforts within his communities but is also appealing to industry friends and colleagues for donations. You can help Julian raise funds by sponsoring him through this online fundraising page www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/coasttocoastdevon

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