A TEENAGER has taken on the challenge of her first triathlon to raise funds for Claire House.

India Haydon-Wood, 16, from Neston, plans to compete in the Boundary Park Triathlon, which is due to take place in Allostock, Cheshire on Sunday, September 13.

The event involves a 750m open water swim, a 55km bike rise and a 20km run.

India, who attends Sedbergh School in Cumbria, has been training for the event since Christmas and is looking forward to raising funds for Claire House.

She said: "My grandma used to work as a carer at Claire House so I’ve been aware for a long time of the amazing work they do to help terminally ill children live as enjoyable life as possible.”

India has been training for the event by running the fells around Sedbergh School. She is soon also to compete in the school’s famous Wilson Run, billed as the toughest school cross country in Britain.

Laura Fallon, running and challenge Fundraiser at Claire House, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful to India for taking on this amazing challenge for Claire House, and at such a young age.

“By fundraising through her triathlon India will be helping us to be there for more of the children and families who really need us, whether that’s by offering a play therapy session for a seriously-ill child in the comfort of their own home or a memory making session a for bereaved family in one of our Butterfly Suites.

“We genuinely couldn’t work without the support of wonderful fundraisers like India, and we wish her the best of luck as she takes on this huge challenge. Thank you, India!”

To support India, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/indiahaydon-wood or www.uswimopenwater.com/boundary-park-tri

More details from www.clairehouse.org.uk