Local sailor, David Cadman, is celebrating his 70th birthday in style as he organises a 70 mile triathlon on and around Rutland Water to support local sailing charity Rutland Sailability, the Air Ambulance, and the RNLI.

After an energetic 50 years in the Plant and Access hire industry, David is planning to celebrate his 70th birthday which is on the 28th of June, by embarking on a charity event with a difference.

Starting on Thursday the 16th of June 2022 and concluding on Sunday the 19th of June, the triathlon will kick-off with a 20-mile designated walk around the Water, which can be split over 2 days, followed by a 26-mile cycle around the lake including the peninsular island. The even will be rounded off with an adventurous 24-mile night sail on a lake course.

David and the team will begin proceedings with a barbecue meal on the Friday night where he will formally hand over the donations to representatives of the three carefully chosen charities.

These charities are:

Sailability – a Rutland Sailing Club charity that provides sailing facilities for the disabled

The RNLI – a national lifeboat charity

The Air Ambulance – a volunteer and community led emergence care provider covering 3850 square miles, including Rutland. These charities are all close to David's heart, he explained: "I've always sponsored the Air Ambulance having watched first-hand what incredible work they do, it's fantastic. Being a sailor the RNLI has always stood out to me to be a charity that relies on donations to do a brilliant, brave job in all weathers & again has over the years have saved many lives. "In Sailability, we have a fantastic local charity that simply brings sailing to disabled people. What a great local project that deserves our support." David added: "I am excited that we are in the throes of organising an event like this and thrilled to involve these special charities. I am looking forward to undertaking this unique 70-mile charity triathlon around the beautiful Rutland Water, and I hope that you can join or support me." Do you fancy joining in or sponsoring? David is looking for 30 companies to help fill 30 spaces with an Entrance Fee of £200 per person – this sponsorship will be the charity donation and, David hopes, will bring a great deal of the community together for this one-of-a-kind event. Additionally, for the celebration weekend, David will host a Presentation Dinner on the Friday night at a cost of £20 per person. Attendees can bring their own bike for the cycle or hire locally (electric bike hire is approximately £25). David is hoping to secure accommodation at the sailing club but there are plenty of good hotels and B&B's locally. Alternatively, visitors can bring their caravan, motorhome or tent and pitch up for approximately £10 per night at the camp site next door to Rutland Sailing Club. David added: "Don't worry if you're not blessed with sea legs – the boats will be captained by members of the local club and you'll be part of the crew!" Anyone wishing to help with the event, take part, act as a guide, or simply donate will be most welcome. Participants can choose which legs of the event to complete if they don't feel confident with every aspect. David said: "I will send out sponsorship forms to any companies interested in supporting the event when all planning aspects are complete. In the meantime, we just hope to raise the profile of the event. Having celebrated quite a few birthdays now, I simply aim to give a little something back to the wonderful local community." Simply contact David by email at [email protected]. Alternatively text or call him on 07968 959579 to book in or discuss the event. David concluded: "Thank you! Let's hope, with your help, we can make this event happen!" To receive updates about this event and much more, sign up to the Newsletter at the top of our homepage and keep your town in your pocket.