Jenson Button needs your help – to help make a success of his 2010 London Triathlon bid and beat last year’s total of nearly £20,000 raised for the children’s charity of which he is a patron.
Proving that F1 drivers are world-class athletes in terms of their physical fitness as well as their driving skill, Button is a regular and successful competitior in triathlon events, which combine running, cycling and swimming into one gruelling physical challenge.
Button told fans via his website: “It’s that time of year again! I can’t quite believe how much has happened over the last 12 months and a large part of that was the fantastic sum of money that we managed to raise last year.
“As you probably know I’ve been taking part in triathlons over the past couple of years as a way of keeping fit for my racing. I’m back again this year to compete in the London Triathlon and to raise money for a charity that is very close to my heart.
“I’m a Patron of the Make A Wish Foundation and have had the pleasure of meeting lots of kids who are supported by the charity at our tests and races. Make A Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses and it is a real privilege to be involved with them.
“The kids are so inspirational and hopefully we can raise enough money to fulfil as many of their dreams as possible.” Learn more about the charity here.
This year’s London Triathlon takes place on the weekend of August 7-8 and around 11,000 competitors are expected to take part – making it the world’s largest event of its kind. Learn more about it here.
It includes a 1,500m swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run – making it the perfect workout for a Formula One world champion who needs to keep in shape. In fact, Button’s times in the 2009 event compared favourably with the elite entrants.
He was certainly pleased with the outcome of the 2009 event, saying: “Last year I managed to finish second in my age category which I was very happy with. I guess that kind of means I need to finish first this year? Nothing like putting pressure on myself!”
Last year, with a little help from his fans, he managed to raise nearly £20,000. This year he has persuaded DJ and television presenter Vernon Kay to take part alongside him: “Having said he was just going to run around with a bucket next to me, he is now taking it very seriously.”
He’s also promising “a couple of other team members you might all recognise” and asking fans to dig deep to sponsor him and help beat “the very high benchmark we set ourselves last time.”
You can do that by visiting his JustGiving page here where he reassures fans that donating will be quick, easy and totally secure.
He also points out that, if you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving ensures 25 per cent in Gift Aid, plus a 3 per cent supplement, is added to your donation.