Charity 'in awe' of triathlete who has raised £50k

A triathlete has raised more than £50,000 for a charity that supports children and young people with cancer.

Danny Stapleton, 55, who owns a jewellers shop in Chelmsford, Essex, has been fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer for 20 years.

He began with the London Marathon in 2004 after he heard how a customer's daughter was undergoing cancer treatment. His father had also been diagnosed with leukaemia.

"The training you do for these events is nothing in comparison to what these people have to go through, so that's motivation in itself," he said.

"We are in awe of his dedication and determination," said Kim Mangelshot, the charity's Essex fundraising engagement manager.

Mr Stapleton has always kept a charity box on the counter of his shop, Krafft Jewellers.

The first box was for Children with Leukaemia, which was then renamed as CLIC Sargent, which became Young Lives vs Cancer.

He was in his mid-thirties when he first laced his running shoes, but he insisted that he feels much fitter now he is in his mid-fifties - and he does not plan on slowing down.

He trains six days a week from 05:30 until work, and tries to do three or four events a year.

He conquered his third London Marathon in April, but he has also done 15 to 20 triathlons, three RideLondon cycling events and an 11-mile swim in Windermere.

"I won't stop, I thoroughly enjoy doing what I do," he said.

He will be taking on the Monster Triathlon in June, which begins with a 5km (3.1-mile) swim in Loch Ness, followed by five days of cycling to Windsor, ending with a 50km (31-mile) ultra-marathon.

Young Lives vs Cancer provides accommodation in London for parents whose children are undergoing treatment.

Mr Stapleton has visited on two occasions.

"It just brings it all home really," he said.

Ms Mangelshot added: "We cannot thank Danny enough for his amazing efforts."

She said Mr Stapleton's £50,000 contribution was the equivalent of 500 grants to help young people and families cope with the immediate costs of cancer, plus additional expenses like travel, food or household bills.

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