Doctor completes
gruelling physical task
to fund life-saving kits

A DOCTOR swapped his stethoscope and prescription pad for Speedos and a road bike when he took on a gruelling Ironman challenge for a Birchwood children’s charity.

Dr Edward Taylor swam 2.4 miles, cycled 113 miles, and then ran a full marathon for Ciaran’s Cause.

The charity donates defibrillators to Warrington schools, youth groups and clubs, in memory of seven-year-old Ciaran Latham-Geddes.

The youngster collapsed and died at Locking Stumps Primary School from a heart condition on April 17, 2012, moments before a game of football.

His family launched a charity in his memory to try to prevent the tragedy happening again.

“The swim was just like being in a washing machine, with 2,000 other people trying to get out,”

said Dr Taylor, aged 46, Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group’s lead for older people.

“And the bike ride just like the wacky races, with everyone constantly jostling for position.

“The run was a game of two halves – the first a steady effort supported by the crowd and the second half dominated by the pain of a large blister on the sole of my foot.”

He completed Ironman UK event in Bolton. His times were a 72 minute swim, a six hour 53 minute bike ride, and a four hour 48 minute marathon.

Dr Taylor, a High Legh resident, and a GP at Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre, has previously raised £2,500 for the Alzheimer's Society but decided to support a cause closer to home this time.

He said: “I’m not a sure how much patients have donated yet – but I hope people give generously.”

The charity’s website is ciaranscause.co.uk