A former student is gearing up for a 200-mile cycling challenge across harsh UK terrains in memory of his daughters.
55-year-old Tony Frobisher has successfully completed rigorous training at the University of Worcester for the ride that will include a climb up Scafell Pike, followed by a bike ride to Mount Snowdon.
The cycling endeavour is no small feat for Mr Frobisher, who already holds an impressive list of accomplishments, including completing the London Marathon, cycling from Land's End to John O’Groats and scaling Kilimanjaro.
He aims to raise funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, a cause close to his heart.
Mr Frobisher, underwent an elaborate process of 'bike fit' at the University where experts assessed his riding goals, history, anatomy, and biking position to optimise his performance.
The university has also conducted tests to measure the effectiveness of his training.
Mr Frobisher said: "I’ve been coming along to have analysis done on various physical aspects of my body, from my respiratory system to my blood, to assess my fitness.
"Then that data has been used to give me the right pointers for fuelling myself and carrying out my training.
"I’ve definitely noticed my stamina is much improved thanks to a better fuelling strategy, and following this round of treadmill testing I’ve learned my overall body fat has decreased."
While training, Mr Frobisher also got engaged with students and staff at the university, sharing his experiences and journey.
He said: "I’ve been a case study for nutrition students, and I’ve given a lecture on my fundraising to sports business students too."
Mr Frobisher started fundraising in 2007 when his triplet daughters were born prematurely.
His daughter Jewel tragically passed away at just 17 days old.
Another daughter, Mila, frequently received care at Acorns Children’s Hospice before her unfortunate passing at age 10.
His remaining triplet daughter, Louisa, has managed to raise over £3,000 for Acorns herself through various athletic pursuits.
As for his own challenge, Mr Frobisher said: "I haven’t set a firm date yet, there have been niggles here and there, a few injuries, but I’m hoping to go in the middle of June now."
Anyone interested in supporting Tony’s fundraising cause can make a donation via his just giving page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here