Pushing the Limits: Taking on Ironman Wales for Daisy Chain

Chartered financial planner, Andrew Gilmore is swapping the board room for the ultimate endurance test this September when he takes on Ironman Wales hoping to raise £5000 for North East autism and neurodiversity charity, Daisy Chain.

Ironman is one of the toughest single-day sporting events in the world and the Wales event is no exception. Beginning with a gruelling 2.4-mile sea swim on Tenby’s sandy North Beach, on to a 112-mile wild bike ride taking in the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline and culminating in a full 26.2-mile marathon cheered on by the now legendary Tenby crowd. The event can take up to 17.5 hours to complete!

Why Daisy Chain?

“For me, this challenge is deeply personal” says Andrew “I have family members and close friends that have received an autism diagnosis, so I know first hand how much both individuals and their support networks can struggle without the right help”

This, and the desire to do something to help a local charity prompted Andrew to join the Daisy Chain Board of Trustees in September 2024.

“What I love most about Daisy Chain is the incredible variety of support the charity provides and the unshakeable positivity of the team there. They are entirely focused on creating real, positive outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families in our region -it’s been amazing to be involved the last couple of years.” Says Andrew

10 to 15 hours of weekly training

Training for the big event on Sunday 13th September is not taken lightly, with Andrew running, cycling and swimming for up to 15 hours every week (including many freezing cold, early mornings) to fit in the miles.

Juggling a busy day job as a financial planner, plus responsibilities as a trustee and with a young family at home, this has been a bit of a balancing act for Andrew and something he could not have done without the support of his partner, Sarah.

“I couldn’t have agreed to this without Sarah’s support” says Andrew “The school runs, homework, kids’ activities and with a rather lively dog (Hector) in the mix too it really had to be a joint decision. But knowing every mile helps a local family keeps me going”

“We are incredibly grateful to Andrew for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of Daisy Chain. Ironman Wales is renowned as one of the toughest endurance events in the world, and the dedication, commitment and determination Andrew is truly inspiring. As both a Trustee and supporter of the charity, Andrew understands first-hand the difference Daisy Chain can make to autistic and neurodivergent people. We wish him the very best of luck and will be cheering him on every step, pedal and stroke of the way.” says Johnathon Pickard, Director of Business Development, Daisy Chain

Can you help Daisy Chain?

If you would like to donate to Andrew’s target of £5000, every penny raised goes directly to Daisy Chain to fund front line autism and neurodiversity services right here in the North East. Click here to donate.

There are so many ways you can support Daisy Chain, including organising a fundraising event, donating old clothes or furniture to their retail stores, or volunteering.

Find out more about Daisy Chain here