Hywel Dda Health Charities

Slaying the dragon 2026 - conquering Ironman Wales

Bridget Harpwood

Bridget Harpwood

My Story

On Sunday 13th of September 2026 I will be taking on my biggest challenge of all time, a full distance Ironman on one of the toughest courses on the circuit - Ironman Wales in Tenby.

Consisting of -

2.4mile swim in often rough seas

112 mile bike with over 9,000ft of ascent

26.2 mile run over four hilly laps around Tenby

I am taking on this epic challenge to raise money to support the Wish Fund.

The Wish Fund supports children in the Hywel Dda Health Board area who have been diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition or illness.

One of those children is my daughter Elain. Born in 2010 with a rare complex heart condition and syndrome, we have been told on many ocasions by her team that she would be unlikely to reach her teenager years. In March 2026 she will be turning 16, another huge milestone for her and for us as a family.

Living with this diagnosis and prognosis we have for so many years has often been a heavy burden to carry. The Wish Fund has helped us so much by organising and funding some incredible memory making activities and experiences that the whole family has been able to cherish and enjoy.

I want this challenge and all the hours and training (and pain!) to mark and celebrate her incredible journey so far, aiming to raise £100 for each year of her life so that the Wish Fund can continue it's incredible work supporting children and families like ours.

Diolch - thank you so much for your support 💜

114%

Funded

  • Target
    £1,600
  • Raised so far
    £1,824
  • Number of donors
    40

My Story

On Sunday 13th of September 2026 I will be taking on my biggest challenge of all time, a full distance Ironman on one of the toughest courses on the circuit - Ironman Wales in Tenby.

Consisting of -

2.4mile swim in often rough seas

112 mile bike with over 9,000ft of ascent

26.2 mile run over four hilly laps around Tenby

I am taking on this epic challenge to raise money to support the Wish Fund.

The Wish Fund supports children in the Hywel Dda Health Board area who have been diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition or illness.

One of those children is my daughter Elain. Born in 2010 with a rare complex heart condition and syndrome, we have been told on many ocasions by her team that she would be unlikely to reach her teenager years. In March 2026 she will be turning 16, another huge milestone for her and for us as a family.

Living with this diagnosis and prognosis we have for so many years has often been a heavy burden to carry. The Wish Fund has helped us so much by organising and funding some incredible memory making activities and experiences that the whole family has been able to cherish and enjoy.

I want this challenge and all the hours and training (and pain!) to mark and celebrate her incredible journey so far, aiming to raise £100 for each year of her life so that the Wish Fund can continue it's incredible work supporting children and families like ours.

Diolch - thank you so much for your support 💜

Bridget Harpwood is fundraising towards