Ruby rises to the triathlon challenge for cancer charity

But one determined 12-year-old decided to rise to the challenge to raise money for a cancer charity.

Ruby Burnell, who raised nearly £500 for Cancer Research UK through sponsorship, completed a 400m swim, 6.5-mile cycle and 1.5km run.

Ruby, of Southsea, said: ‘I chose Cancer Research because there are a lot of people, some I know, who are suffering from cancer.’

She started her triathlon by completing her swim at Eastney Swimming Pool, before riding through Southsea on her bike and running along the seafront to the South Parade Pier.

Ruby added: ‘The run was the hardest part because that’s my weakest area.

‘The cycling was my favourite part and getting to the finish.

‘I have had a lot of sponsorship from friends and some of them came and saw me cross the finish line.’

The schoolgirl said she has always been sporty and would like the opportunity to take up the challenge again to raise more cash for charity.

Ruby’s proud mother Emily Pountney said: ‘She planned it all herself. She worked out the route she was going to take and she designed the sponsorship forms.’

Ruby is a pupil at Priory School in Southsea. She received lots of support and encouragement from staff and her friends at the school.

‘She is a very determined sort of girl.

‘She plays football and she also does after school sport like tennis and rounders,’ added Mrs Pountney.

‘She came up with the idea out of the blue. She is just an ordinary girl who has just decided to do something good to help others.

‘She should raise about £500 in total which would be amazing.’

If you would to donate to Ruby’s JustGiving page, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Ruby-Burnell. To find out more about Cancer Research UK, go to cancerresearchuk.org.