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Inverness firefighter takes on Ironman challenge after completing night shift


By Louise Glen

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A firefighter who celebrated her 27th birthday by completing an Ironman challenge has raised more than £1000 for charity.

Louise Mason (27), a full-time firefighter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at Inverness Fire Station, said she took on the challenge in aid of Mind UK to keep her spirits high during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ms Mason completed the 70-mile triathlon challenge using a paddling pool in her garden, after coming off at night shift at the Inverness station.

Ms Mason, who lives in Forres, said: "Mental Health is a big priority and high on the everyone's agenda with these uncertain times and I wanted to give myself a lockdown charity challenge to try and keep spirits high.

"On Saturday May 9, I finished my night shift at Inverness fire station and went home on my birthday to then complete a Ironman 70.3-mile triathlon, raising funds for Mental Health Charity, Mind UK."

Louise Mason.
Louise Mason.

Ms Mason said the 'swim' was in a children's paddling pool, tethered to her garden fence with a bungee cord swimming just over 1.2miles in about 40minutes, in water of nine degrees. She then spent three-and-a-half hours completing a 56mile cycle on a turbo trainer bike.

She finished off with a run, consisting of 844 laps up and down the side of her house lasting three hours and ten minutes, covering 13.1miles.

She said: "The weather was pretty awful all day and it didn't seem to stop raining. The only dry spell was ironically when I was on a static bike and under a canopy, so I could only smile that the delightful Scottish rain was with me for all 844 laps of my garden.

"The postman turned up to deliver a parcel, just as I was stood at the side of my house in a wetsuit! After explaining what I was doing, I took the opportunity to get Alan the postman involved, and he gave me a countdown to set me off on my triathlon.

"The neighbours were hanging out their windows taking pictures and video calling friends to prove there is a 'mad lady in her paddling pool with a wetsuit swimming for charity'.

Louise Mason.
Louise Mason.

"I made myself a little podium with a sign and a chocolate coin medal to celebrate finishing the challenge. I'm born Welsh, hence the flag.

Ms Mason continued: "The reward at the end of my lockdown challenge was fish and chips for my tea and a massive slice of birthday cake.

"Alongside having completed the challenge, it was definitely a unique way to spend my 27th birthday."

Ms Mason completed the challenge in a remarkable seven-and-a-half hours.

Louise Mason.
Louise Mason.

So far she has collected more than £1000, and donations can still be made on her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chippyteachallenge.

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