A DROITWICH youngster is competing in his own Olympic triathlon to raise funds for the British Red Cross.
Drew Hankins, seven, will undertake the 1,500, swim, 40km cycle and 10k run from August 29 to September 2.
It all came about after Drew saw an advert on the TV for the Red Cross.
His mum Kathryn told The Standard: “When he saw how much they helped people in areas like Syria, he just wanted to do something to raise money for the cause.
“He is quite sporty so his dad suggested he do a triathlon – and with the Olympic Games taking place in Rio around the same time, it seemed a perfect fit.”
Energetic Drew is hoping to raise £200 for the charity and in the run-up to the event he has been contacting local businesses for sponsorship.
The event, organised by Annex A, will see participants complete the feat over five days by doing a 300m swim, 8km cycle and 2km run on each day.
There is no specific time goal for completing the triathlon but Drew is aiming for a best effort each day and hopes to minimise change over times much as in an actual race.
It looked like Drew would have to pay £3 entry to the swimming pool for each swim but Wychavon Leisure has waived the fees.
Rob Dufty, the duty manager at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, said “At Rivers we pride ourselves in supporting the community and it’s fund-raisers like this that make us feel proud to help support the swim element of the challenge at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre so Drew can selflessly raise money to help others.”
Allan Morris estate agents is providing Drew’s running shoes and several other local companies have pledged sponsorship.
Proud dad Wade will act as timekeeper and verify the full triathlon has been completed and supporters and sponsors are welcome to watch any part of the challenge.
He said: “For a boy of seven to take up and complete a challenge of this magnitude will be a fantastic achievement but that’s what Drew is like – he’s so determined.
“Any support local businesses can provide to help Drew complete his triathlon and raise money for the Red Cross will be gratefully received.”
For more on Drew’s charity quest, search for ‘Drew Hankins Olympic Distance Triathlon’ on Facebook.
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/The-Drew-Hankins-Machine to donate.
