Weymouth's Austin powers to success (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth's Austin powers to success

3:40pm Friday 24th July 2009 in Search By Harry Hogger

FITNESS fanatic Austin Latham is two-thirds of the way through his mega-charity triathlon challenge after cycling the length of Britain.

Mr Latham, who survived six major operations after being diagnosed with cancer, is taking on a monster triathlon to raise funds for others affected by the disease in Dorset.

Mr Latham, from Weymouth, was accompanied by friends Paul Kennedy and Ron Meatcher during the 915-mile bike ride from John O’ Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall.

The trio spent two weeks in the saddle as Mr Latham looks to raise funds for the oncology unit at Poole Hospital, which treats cancer patients from across the county.

Earlier this year Mr Latham and Mr Kennedy completed a 117-mile coast to coast walk in Devon and they will canoe from Weymouth to Poole in August.

Mr Latham said their latest challenge, although tough going, went as well as could have been expected.

He said: “Everything was a success and it all went to plan.

“It was quite arduous and by the end of it we’d had enough, but there were no real hitches.”

Mr Latham said the trip was a chance to take in some remarkable scenery and he was also impressed by the people they met along the way.

He said: “We met some really nice people.

“There was a lady in Crediton who waived the fee for our bed and breakfast as her donation.

“We met lots of really charitable people up and down the country.”

Mr Latham said he has raised £1,500 so far through his triathlon – smashing his initial target of £1,000 – and is now hoping to push the total up to £2,000.

With the third leg of the triathlon a 25-mile paddle from Weymouth to Poole on the last weekend of August, Mr Latham says that after a short break he needs to get some practice in the water.

He said: “It’s been 30 years since I did any canoeing and I want to build it up so I can do eight hours continuous in the water.”

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Mr Latham in his efforts can telephone him on 01305 776668 or email latham741@btinternet.com