18th April 2025 Bruce and team giving it a 'Tri' to provide exciting days out for disabled young people
Bruce Elkins, long-standing Ambassador and volunteer Corporate Fundraiser at Rose Road, is taking on a re-enactment of the 1991 Totton Triathlon to raise funds that will provide exciting days out for disabled young people with our friends at WetWheels Solent, run by another of our ambassadors Geoff Holt MBE.
Bruce explains: "I first completed the Totton Tri in 1991 in memory of my mother, and this became the start of my continued fundraising efforts over many years. Once Rose Road's new purpose built facility was completed in 2003, I had the pleasure of being given a tour of the facility and immediately saw just how much young people get from their support".
Since then, Bruce's commitment to fundraising for Rose Road has raised many tens of thousands of pounds, from his organisation of our annual sports quiz and corporate triathlon, to his own personal long-distance cycling challenges with the 'Rose Roadies' over many years.
Bruce continues, "Having doubled in age since I took part in that first Totton Triathlon over 30 years ago, I thought it would be a great idea to re-enact the event, which no longer runs officially".
The plan is to swim 600m at the Totton Leisure Centre where the event originally took place, then jump straight onto the bike for a 40km cycle in the New Forest, before returning to Tottonians Rugby Club for a 5k run around the playing fields.
It's not going to be an easy challenge for Bruce! He says, "I've not taken on a triathlon since my 50th birthday and I no longer run following my double hip resurface a number of years ago, though I have carried on cycling to keep myself reasonably fit".
And he won't be alone! Bruce adds "I'll be encouraging a small band of long term ex-clients and business contacts - I retired as a Chartered Accountant in 2022 - to all give it a ‘Tri’. Many have supported Rose Road often and do a lot for charity."
"Peter Harding from Questmap will be joining me; we've done many challenges together and this time it will also be in memory of his father who recently passed away. I'll also be joined by Russell Smart of Rasanco and Darren Fulford of Radcliffe & Co Independent Financial Advisors, albeit from abroad as they'll be in Majorca and Portugal respectively when the event takes place!"
"We're excited that this money will help disabled young people with Rose Road to enjoy thrilling days out on WetWheels accessible boat trips. Both Peter and I have personally experienced the sensation and excitement of such a trip and know it'll provide wonderful opportunities to our users that statutory funding does not cater for".
If anyone else would like to join them on the day, please email Bruce at BruceElkins@roseroad.org.uk.
