In memory of student Freya Cox: University Triathlon Club reach equivalent of Mount Kilimanjaro summit

The University of Bristol Triathlon Club organised a 24-hour triathlon event in memory of the social secretary Freya Cox, who passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Freya, a second-year English student, tragically died on 31st December 2017. She was described by the Triathlon Club as a ‘vital member’ who trained with them regularly and was responsible for organising team socials, including club meals, weekend trips and nights out.

Aside from her involvement in the Triathlon Club, Freya participated in a number of charitable projects around the world, volunteering in South Africa and Asia. A member of the club said:

‘Perhaps the achievement she was most proud of was climbing Kenya’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895m in memory of a late friend of hers.’

To honour her memory, the University of Bristol Triathlon Club took on the challenge of covering the cumulative distance from the University of Bristol campus to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in just 24 hours. This mammoth task includes each member of the club swimming 8km, cycling 200km and running 30km.

In context, the Ironman Triathlon, the pinnacle of endurance sport, contains a shorter distance at 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run. The club undertook this challenge not only to honour the memory of their friend, are also raising money for CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young, by request of Freya’s family.

Every week at least 12 young people, aged 14-35, die from undiagnosed heart conditions. The money which the club are able to raise will allow CRY to continue doing their amazing work screening young people for cardiac risks and supporting the families of those victims taken too early.

The challenge commenced at 7am on Saturday 10th March, culminating on Ladies Mile at 7am on Sunday 11th March.

Lorens Blok, a member of the Club who took part in the triathlon said: ‘24hours and 7195km after the adventure began we made it to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro! This journey saw us swim 158km, run 508km and cycle 6529km, with individuals swimming up to 12.5km, cycling 300km and running 34km. Literally every kilometre was needed to make it, amazing job from everyone who joined.’

Another friend, James Price, added, ‘This challenge was undertaken in the true Freya spirit of adventure and I hope this motivates people to keep adventuring and push their personal boundaries.’

Esther Bancroft also commented, ‘I’m glad that we can add this achievement to the memories we have of Freya. She brightened the lives of everyone she met, and I’ll remember her, always.’

The just giving page is still open, all donations to the cause are welcomed: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mikealison1877

Featured image credit: University of Bristol / Triathlon Club