THE sands of Walney Island were a welcome sight for dozens of runners as they completed an epic Coast to Coast Triathlon inspired by an eight-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy.

So far the Ironman-style event has raised more than £44,500 for the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK. The family of Will Taylor say they have been "blown away" by the support given to the 12 teams and 21 solo athletes who cycled 121 miles from Whitby to Windermere, swam 1.6 miles across Windermere and finally ran 26 miles to Walney, all in glorious weather last Friday and Saturday.

Will, of Crooklands, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2014. As dad Sam explained, the condition means his muscles are gradually getting weaker, which will have "a huge impact on his life". There is no effective cure and the money raised by the triathlon will help fund research into treatments.

The event was set up by Will's mum and dad, Sam and Sue Taylor. Will and his sister Beth joined the support crew as well as riding and running the last few miles with their parents as they completed the Walney beach run.

"We have been blown away by the support we have received for this challenge," Sam told the Gazette. "It really does seem to have captured people's imagination. From the guys who trained so hard to participate, to the crew that kept us fed and watered, the friends and family who turned out along the route to support us, and all of the businesses and individuals who have been so generous to sponsor us, everyone has been so positive and generous. We are incredibly grateful for all of the support we have received, and proud of what we all have achieved."

Nina Caygill, of Summerlands, who took part, said: "The energy of everyone drove me on, and always in my mind was why we were doing this - to raise money for Will and to hopefully make a difference and find something that will help him."

Event sponsors included Poole Townsend, Lingwood Park, Park House Barn and Sustaburn. The team spent Friday night at Tower Wood Outdoor Centre, which also supervised the swimmers safely across the lake to YMCA Lakeside.

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