Knee injury won’t hold back fundraising Ironman

A Bolton fundraiser – who set himself a series of epic fundraising events on the 10th anniversary of his brother’s death – is letting nothing stand in his way, despite an injury midway through his challenge.

Peter Kane, 53, set a number of running, swimming and cycling challenges, which will have him covering more than 630 miles this year to raise money for The Salvation Army.

The challenge began on Wednesday 8 April 2015 with a gruelling 300-mile cycle from London to Paris and included the Liverpool Marathon. Although his knee injury was niggling at the start of the Blackpool half marathon, Peter was determined to complete the event as he was running alongside his brother’s daughter. His final venture is the Bolton Ironman on 19 July 2015.

Peter’s brother Patrick served in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment in the Army, but after leaving he lost control of his life and found himself without a home. It was at this point that he received considerable support from The Salvation Army in the Bolton area. Sadly, Patrick died when he was just 34 after he lost his battle with addiction, leaving four young children.

Peter said: “I decided I wanted to take on a real challenge this year to mark ten years since Patrick passed away and it feels right to be doing this for The Salvation Army as I believe they did so much to help him. Patrick made his own choices and regrettably lost his battle.

“I know every penny I raise will go to helping people facing similar challenges to Patrick and I know I'll help make a difference and that’s what's keeping me going through my training and what’s kept me motivated when I faced injury.”

Up until three years ago Peter weighed more than 19 stone and was relatively inactive, making his plans even more inspiring. It was taking his children, now 13 and 17, to Bolton Triathlon Club which began Peter’s interest in the discipline.

Amber Sylvester, Assistant Regional Manager for our Homelessness Services, said: “We’re delighted that Peter has decided to take on this truly incredible challenge to raise money for homelessness services at The Salvation Army. While his brother’s story is very moving, sadly, it is not unusual and we are working alongside people in similar situations every day, all over the country who are coming out the other side and reaching their goals. It is thanks to the generosity of people like Peter that we’re able to continue this valuable work which is making a real difference and saving lives.”

Peter added: “I know completing these challenges is going to be far from easy, but doing this in memory of Patrick will help spur me on, and knowing that the money I raise will go to supporting people who are going through similar issues to him makes it all worthwhile.”

Money raised by Peter’s challenges will go to our work helping to support people who are experiencing homelessness in the Manchester area.

Supporters are able to donate to Peter’s challenge online here 

This year The Salvation Army is celebrating 150 years of transforming lives and is still at the heart of every community today, supporting those in need.