A WOMAN devastated by the death of a friend has vowed to undertake a triathlon in her memory— even though she can’t swim.

Brave Erni Hamilton from Perth is refusing to let any obstacles stand in her way as she bids to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Any female choosing to take part in a gruelling “Iron Man” triathlon will raise a few eyebrows, but when you consider she will first have to learn to swim it is all the more remarkable.

However, Erni explained she has plenty of motivation to undertake the challenging 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run.

“I lost my close friend Laura in August and decided I had to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief which did so much to help my friend,” she said.

“I started running in 2000 and soon joined Perth Road Runners. I have been club champion for the past three years. I came into cycling almost by accident when in 2002 I was asked to do the Corrieyarack Challenge, a 17-mile hill 26-mile road run,” she continued.

“I just borrowed a bike, entered and finished, and have competed every year since and for the last two years have won the first veteran position.”

Although she has no background in swimming, Erni believes her friend’s battle with cancer should act as an example to all.

“My main running pal is Claire Fruilonni and, with her sister Laura, we could often be seen in local bars and clubs—keeping up the social side,” she said.

“Unfortunately, Laura contracted cancer but she would not let it get in the way of living her life to the full. She continued going to the gym, cycled, went out at night, and did everything to lead life as normal. However, in August this year the cancer finally won.”

Erni said she decided to undertake the toughest of challenges in a bid to raise as much cash as possible.

“I felt I had to do something in Laura’s memory.

“I therefore decided to go for a big challenge and do an iron man triathlon. There was only one problem—I could not swim.

“To remedy that I recently took to the water and now go swimming regularly. Training wise I have just been ticking over, but it will start in earnest on January 1 when I will be doing my first triathlon in Edinburgh,” Erni continued.

Sylvia Jeffrey is fund- raising manager with Macmillan Cancer Relief.

“Erni is a remarkable woman with real talent and a determination to overcome any obstacle to realise her goal,” she said.

For information on how you can donate to Erni’s iron man triathlon contact Sylvia Jeffrey on 01382 226150. Alternatively Email sjeffrey@macmillan.org.uk