A regional daily reporter competed in her first triathlon in memory of a colleague who died of cancer.
Gabrielle Rowley, lifestyle correspondent at the North West Evening Mail, undertook the challenge in memory of features writer Jo-anne Davies, who passed away last August aged 38.
Gabrielle was encouraged to take part in the triathlon by Jo-anne’s widower Matt, who is the Evening Mail’s sports editor.
He also took part in a longer version of the same event, hosted by Ulverston Tri Club, to raise money for Jo’s Appeal – a charitable fund set up in her memory.
Gabrielle, pictured above, wrote of her experience in a piece for the newspaper, in which she recommended the sport to readers.
She told HTFP: “Being a lifestyle and features writer I am used to interviewing others and then scuttling off to write up their interesting achievements.
“With this story I felt a little nervous because I was writing about myself but I wanted to give readers a true account of how I felt competing against athletes who were much fitter than myself.
“There were moments during that race when my toes literally curled with embarrassment at how silly I felt.
“However, I had a brilliant time and got to take part in a great event with one of my best friends and my fantastic colleague Matt for a wonderful cause. I would definitely do it all over again.”
Jo, left, held several different roles during her 17-career at the Barrow-based Evening Mail.
She also played a big part in helping to establish the Walney Fun Run and herself completing the 5k course.