A double Ironman mum from Tenby is seeking sponsorship to allow her to have an Hawaiian ‘pizza’ the action at a World Championship event being held next year.

Two years ago, Claire Stubbs, of Seascape, a housewife and mum of two, took up a totally new sport, when she took on her first triathlon, and now she is hoping to top off her sporting achievements by competing in the Kona Ironman event.

“I’d never thought about this before, but wanted to keep fit and also raise money for a local charity close to my heart, the Tenby RNLI, at the same time,” she explained.

“I used to run, then after watching all the inspiring athletes on the first three Ironman Wales events, I decided that I was going to take part in the next one.

“I had to learn to swim whilst overcoming sea sickness both in the pool and the sea and then buy a road bike and learn how to ride it, although I did have a few falls, but got back on!

“This coming year I have a lot of training to do, but I am lucky enough to have the full support from my family and friends.

“I have my brother Paul helping me on short fast rides, my husband Steve on long rides and swimming, even my best friend Sarah, who’s a mental health nurse looking into positive studies helping the athlete, and then our children cooking the dinner when we come home from training, so I have every point covered training wise.”

Claire has completed three triathlons to date, two full Ironman distances, comprising a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run, and one half Ironman distance, personally raising over £3,000 for her chosen charity in the process.

“In the latest Ironman Wales 2015, held here in Tenby, I was lucky enough to come second in my category, age group 34 to 39, which automatically qualified me to go through to the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October 2016,” continued Claire, who claimed her medal in a time of 13.32.

“The day itself was amazing, although I found it harder than the previous year. The support was outstanding, with many more people from away coming down to cheer everyone on, and of course, all of Pembrokeshire was out.”

“I had no intention or expectation of reaching any sort of position good enough to get a place in Kona. It wasn’t until Monday morning when several of the Tenby Aces told me I qualified! Everyone said it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I jumped at the chance!” admitted Claire.

The inaugural ‘Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon’ was conceptualized in 1977 as a way to challenge athletes who had seen success at endurance swim, running and biathlon events, and since then the World Championship has brought the world’s best athletes together in competition.

The initial cost of entering is £600, plus additional expense for flights, accommodation, food etc, and Claire is hoping that local businesses might be able to come forward to back her in her quest to compete in the event, which will be held in October, 2016.

“This is not a cheap trip, but I am very privileged to have got this far in qualifying, and once I am able to fund myself in getting to Kona, I can then concentrate on personally raising money for Tenby RNLI, which will be done through my online ‘justgiving’ page, Facebook, and by putting lifeboat charity boxes in local public houses and shops in the area,” continued Claire.

“The World Championships are for the best of the best, competing against each other on a level playing field. The event is televised and has full media coverage, so if anyone could sponsor a local Tenby girl in any way, then I would be most grateful, and of course would be happy to have your logo embroidered onto my kit for the world to see.

“Already, insurance company ‘Pedal Cover’ has agreed to sponsor me, and I am in talks with Ceepo, but I would be really grateful if any local businesses in Tenby and it’s surrounding area are able to to back me to show the Welsh really do pull together!” added Claire.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Claire can contact her on 07880682560 or via email on [email protected]