The Triathlon of Great Britain

July 2022 – A Triathlon Like No Other

Imagine a triathlon where you swim the English Channel, cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats whilst climbing Britain’s three highest peaks en-route? All within 10 days!

That was Lee Spencer’s idea of a triathlon challenge, something no one, able bodied or disabled, had done before.

The 10-Day Challenge

• Swim 22 miles
• Cycle 1,060 miles
• Hike 45 miles

Lee Spencer’s ‘Triathlon of Great Britain’

Watch Lee’s video below to find out what inspired him to tackle this unique endurance challenge .

Swim the English Channel – 22 Miles

Lee started the Triathlon of Great Britain by attempting to swim the English Channel under the rules of the Channel Swimming Association, but was unfortunately beaten by the conditions in the Channel.

Cycle from Land’s End to Mount Snowdon – 398 Miles

Undeterred, Lee carried on with the triathlon and picked up a helicopter ride from Calais in France to Cornwall in England.

The first part of the cycling phase saw Lee cycle from Land’s End to the base of Mount Snowdon in Wales, a distance of 398 miles. He then successfully climbed Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.

Cycle to Scafell Pike – 210 Miles

Having conquered Mount Snowdon, Lee got back in the saddle and cycled on to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. Lee managed to summit Scafell Pike, but could go no further.

Throughout the cycle and mountain climbs, Lee had been trying to manage the toll taken on his stump by the constant rubbing within his prosthetic leg. By Scafell Pike, the rubbing had deteriorated to open cuts that caused his stump to swell. The open wounds and swelling made it impossible to wear his prosthetic and meant he could go no further. Sadly for Lee, the Triathlon of Great Britain was over.

Not Defined By Disability

Rowing the Atlantic made Lee realise that society tends to define disabled people by their disability.

A Life with dignity

Throughout Lee’s rehabilitation he was surrounded by servicemen and women whose lives had been shattered in our service. Lee passionately believes that as a society and as a moral obligation, we owe those that have given so much, at the very least, a life with dignity.

Lee saw first-hand the astonishing work that The Royal Marines Charity does for wounded and injured Royal Marines and their families and this is why he will be raising money for the RMC throughout the Triathlon.

The driving force behind the Triathlon of Great Britain is to prove that no one should be defined by disability. Lee, a committed fundraiser for Military charities before his accident, has continued to raise funds for the Royal Marines Charity. And he needs your help to raise money to undertake his other challenges of human endurance.