A RETIRED consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships – and will be competing while raising money for charity.
Kathy Gillies, who dedicated most of her career to caring for women and families affected by gynaecological cancer, has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Nice after competing in Valencia this April.
She has also competed in the Ironman Copenhagen and Portugal and has previously raised more than £5,000 for Jersey Hospice Care – a charity that she has been a trustee for over three years. She also won first place in her age category in this year’s Hospice half-marathon.
Dr Gillies said: “Without such a wonderful Jersey community we wouldn’t have the Hospice.
“It costs up to £9 million a year to run the Hospice and it is only partially funded by the Government of Jersey.
“The hospice provides a free high standard of care for everyone with any life-limiting illness, not only for people with cancer. They provide 24/7 physical, emotional, and spiritual care for the person and their family and friends in either their own home or at the hospice.
“Islanders deserve to live their last year with quality of life and die with dignity.”
The upcoming Ironman World Championships in Nice is made up of a 1.9km swim in the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a hilly 90km cycle involving a 25km Tour de France pass, and concluded by a half-marathon run along the promenade.
Around 4,000 athletes are set to take part, with Dr Gillies competing in the age 65-69.
The time limit for the challenge is eight hours and thirty minutes, which Dr Gillies said would be difficult in the high temperatures.
“My training has been six days a week – three runs, three cycles, and three swims each week,” she said.
“Jersey has amazing facilities for a range of sports to offer the community of all ages. The camaraderie and encouragement is unreal for everyone, whatever you’re trying to achieve around Jersey, so I would encourage anyone that whatever type of fitness you choose to ‘give it a go’ as anything is possible.”
Dr Gillies praised the support she has received from the Les Quennevais Sports Centre, Jersey Tri Club, and local triathlon coach Chris Stephens.
All proceeds of the race will go towards Jersey Hospice Care – and donations can be made at jerseygiving.je/sponsor/activity/ironman-70-3-world-championship/kathy.
She said: “I want to race in Nice for Jersey Hospice and ask if anyone can donate – however small an amount. It would be wonderful as they rely so much on donations.
“Every minute of the race I’ll be thinking of all who have had care or are having care there and the amazing staff that allow the Jersey community the care they deserve.”
