Ironman detective gears up for fundraising challenge

A DETECTIVE from Hull is preparing for one of her toughest challenges when she takes part in the Outlaw Ironman triathlon to raise money for cancer research.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2012, 07:00 BST

Det Constable Lucy Khan, 43, is putting in the hard yards training for the event in Nottingham on Sunday, July 1, that will see her swim 2.5 miles, cycle 112 miles and finally run a 26.2-mile marathon in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Trust.

Mrs Khan, who works in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit at Humberside Police, has personal reasons for pushing herself through the pain barrier, having lost her father, John Jude, to cancer in 1988, and more recently her friend, Bryan Loukes.

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She is already a respected athlete having represented her country at four World Triathlon Championships after channelling her loss into sport.

She said: “I lost my dad to cancer when he was 41 years old. As a result of that loss I needed an outlet and, living so close to Costello Sports Centre at the time, I decided to join the gym and get back some of the fitness that I had enjoyed and excelled in at school.

“As a result of this rekindled fitness, I found myself being selected for the Humberside Police cross country team where I managed to finish at the back in almost every event.

“This gave me a passion for competing so I changed direction slightly and started to enjoy the growing sport of triathlon. I seemed to finish much higher up the field in these events and in 1991; I joined my local Barracuda triathlon club.

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“After doing well in a few local races, I managed to secure a contract of sponsorship with Cliff Pratt Cycle shop, based on Spring Bank. I formed a great friendship with the owners of the shop, Bryan Loukes and his wife, Ada.

“They became a fantastic support to me and certainly played a part in my selection to represent Great Britain at four World Triathlon Championships. I am sure that none of it would have been possible without their help and support.”

She added: “The ironman triathlon is a demanding event and will be challenging but it does not come close to the challenges of facing a course of cancer treatment and its hideous side effects.”

To support Mrs Khan visit www.justgiving.com/lucykhan.

Related topics:HullNottingham