Greenock dad running gruelling Iron Man challenge for terminally ill friend

A GREENOCK dad is taking on a gruelling charity challenge for Ardgowan Hospice after being inspired by a close pal’s brave battle with terminal cancer.

John Hampsey will put his body to the test later this year when he takes part in an Iron Man 70.3 in Bolton to raise cash for the hospice, who are currently caring for his good friend Danny Knox.

The intense challenge will see John swim 1.2 miles, cycle 56 miles and then run 13 miles before crossing the finish line on June 30.

The 35-year-old says he expect the challenge to be ‘brutal’, but told the Tele that he will use the thought of his inspirational pal Danny - who has himself raised thousands of pounds for worthy local causes – to spur him over the line.

John said: “When I found out about Danny’s diagnosis I struggled with it.

“He’s got two young daughters and so have I, every time I looked at my daughters it was gutting.

“I couldn’t imagine what he was going through.

“Danny has been fundraising continuously for years, every Christmas he raises money for children in Inverclyde and he’s always been involved with local fundraising.

“I decided to tie this in with Ardgowan Hospice too because over the years they’ve provided care for my gran, my papa and my aunt.

“They were in here at the end of their lives and I saw the good work they did.

“When I knew Danny was in here it made perfect sense to support them.

“I used to do a bit of running and swimming when I was a boy, but that was about 20 years ago.

“This is going to be really intense though.”

After deciding to do the Iron Man, John signed up with a triathlon coach to help him get into shape for the event.

The tough training regime has required him to train six days a week, two times a day, as well as giving up comforts like alcohol.

But John says he knows it will all be worth it in the end.

He added: “The training sessions are brutal and to be honest when the times get tough I think about Danny and all that he’s going through.

“That thought makes me know it’ll all be worth it after I finish this and raise some money for Danny and Ardgowan.

“No matter how hard I train it’s inevitable that I’m going to want to stop during it because it’s so hard.

“But the motivation I’ll have will be to finish it for Danny and the Hospice.

“I’ve got my partner and my oldest daughter going down with my pals to watch me, I’m sure it’ll be emotional at the end.”

John and Danny got to know each other around 10 years ago and became close through their shared love of golf.

John hopes his efforts will pay Danny back for the generosity he has shown others over the years.

He said: “You couldn’t meet a nicer person than Danny, he’s all about everyone else. He’s completely selfless.

“He’s just a nice, genuine, generous guy.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking what’s happened.

“I just hope I can do him proud and raise plenty of money when I’m down in Bolton.”