94-year-old World War Two veteran from Sheffield takes on triathlon for charity

Graham Bell from Handsworth, who was just a teenager when he took part in the 1944 Normandy landings, will attempt The 2.6 Challenge on Sunday (April 26) in support of Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB).

To complete it, he will need to cover 2.6 miles on a rowing machine, followed by a 2.6-mile cycle on an exercise bike, then run a 2.6-mile distance around his garden.

Graham, who is self-isolating, said: “My heart goes out to all the local charities who are not able to raise money for their worthy causes.

“I have volunteered for SRSB for over 15 years and I understand their difficulties, which is why I want to help.”

The veteran has previously walked over broken glass and across 20ft of wood embers burning at 1236 degrees Fahrenheit to raise money for SRSB. He has also taken part in the annual Great Yorkshire Run to support the charity.

Sue Coggin, fundraising manager at SRSB, said: “We are so proud of our very own hero Graham, he is a true inspiration to us all.”

Graham added: “The war lasted six years. This coronavirus, hopefully, will last less than a year.

“Having said all that, I prefer the war – at least I could see the enemy.”

SRSB has been forced to cancel fundraising events and collections because of coronavirus, causing an income shortfall. But the organisation continue to help blind and partially sighted people in Sheffield.

Staff and volunteers have been doing essential shopping, collecting medical supplies, offering benefits advice, and phoning clients to check on them.

Jo Ardern, deputy general manager at SRSB, said: “The challenges that blind and partially sighted people face on a day-to-day basis is bad enough.

“But with the added pressure of self-isolation, the closure of all forms of social interaction, and difficulties with food supplies, life for our clients is incredibly challenging right now so we need to keep our services going.”

Click here to support Graham.

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