ARCHIVED - Regular Camposol visitor takes on Ironman Event to raise funds for MABS

Karen Andrew, daughter of proud parents and Camposol residents Pam and Trevor, takes on gruelling endurance event to raise funds for MABS after Trevor recovers from illness

Karen has been in serious training for this event for the past two years as the 2021 Iron Man was cancelled due to Covid restrictions

Pam and Trevor say “This event is taking place on Sunday 10th July 2022 at Vitoria – Gasteiz in the north of Spain. Our daughter Karen is taking part and hoping to raise funds for MABS Cancer Foundation. This is a well-known charity in our area, raising funds to support cancer patients in all aspects of their treatment and care”.

Karen has always been sporty and played hockey at school to county level (Staffordshire) and then 1st team at University. It wasn’t until her final year that she decided to try out rugby and it sort of grew from there. Playing for England students and then England Emerging and England A for several years before gaining a first full cap for England Ladies in 2000, starting a full international playing career which extended until 2008 gaining 42 full caps for England.

In the process she played for an England team which won the Europeans, Six Nations and Canada Cup but lost out to New Zealand in the World Cup final in 2006, while at club level playing for Cheltenham Ladies and Worcester although most of her playing career was at Saracens ladies.

Since retiring from Rugby Karen has tried to remain active and keep the physical challenges going, completing in 3 marathons - Brighton twice and London once. She plans to run in London again this year in October and in cycling mode has completed a gruelling leg of the Tour De France in the Alps, which took 11 hours 31 minutes and was basically climbing mountains.

Karen’s Story

“In 2018 my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer which understandably affected us all. I will never forget that phone call from my brother telling me the news.

My dad received amazing medical treatment from the Spanish Health System, radiotherapy, a serious operation and a course of chemotherapy. While my dad was recovering, it got me thinking how I could help and what physical and mental changes my dad had gone through and how it affected both my parent’s lives. My dad recovered well and lives a very normal life now. The human body is so adaptable and amazing. I am and will forever be thankful to MABS Cancer Support Foundation who supported both my parents through this time and helped with transport, interpreters and support. This charity does so much for people affected by cancer every day.

Completing this Ironman and raising funds for this fantastic charity seems like a small part but I really want to do something to say thank you for all their help and support with my dad, mum and every other person and family who have been affected by cancer.”

Please donate if you want to:

Tel No. Mabs Fund Raising 689 052123

Donations can be made at MABS Respite Home. Avenida de Los Covachos 278 Sector B2 (Sponsor forms also available)

Or you can donate at: PAYPAL – donate@mabscancersupport.org

BANK TRANSFER – ES79 2100 6032 8702 0016 8624

Or email pamandtrev@hotmail.com

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