41-year-old wheelchair user Fleur Bryant set herself a triple challenge in August, in honour of her son Toby, 9, who died in May from a rare genetic condition called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which irreparably damages the central nervous system.
The Superhero Tri took place at Dorney Lake in Windsor, with Fleur taking part in the Full Superhero Tri, the Celebrity Team Sprint Superhero Tri and the Sprint Superhero Tri. In total, Fleur, who has the female version of ALD, adrenomyeloneuropathy, completed a 1,050km swim, 26km in the bike section and 7km in the walk/run section.
“The Superhero Tri was an incredible event,” said Fleur. “It was a great physical challenge but it was never meant to be about me. Instead, it was for all those kids coming behind me. When I was nine years old, I was told I wouldn’t be like my friends. I believed I could never be the athlete I have been able to be today. If I can inspire a child with disabilities then it will all have been worth it.”
(Credit: Steve Grimmett)
To prepare, Fleur, who lives in Outwood, worked with Paralympian Richard Chiassaro, founder of the Harlow Wheelchair Race Club and a Celebrity Team Captain at the Superhero Tri.
In 2023, Toby also took part in the Superhero Tri. This year, Fleur’s son Henry, stepped up and proudly took his place to honour his brother. He joined Richard’s team, while daughter Molly competed on Fleur’s team, with husband Matthew cheering them on. The family were raising awareness of their charity, The Make Way Foundation, of which Richard is now an ambassador.
Fleur set up the foundation to provide wheelchairs for young people after Toby was told he would need to wait a year before the NHS could provide him with one.
We are obviously devastated about losing Toby,” said Fleur. “However, there is nothing that can bring him back so now our whole focus has to be creating this incredible legacy for him.”
The Superhero Series is the UK’s only mass-participation disability sports series.
Find out more about The Make Way Foundation, and donate here.
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