Dental duo all smiles after Ironman success

Two North Shields dentists have gone the distance for charity after completing their first full Ironman and raising more than £1700.

Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury, from Union Quay Dental on North Shields Fish Quay, completed the Copenhagen Ironman in aid of The Percy Hedley Foundation.

The gruelling endurance event saw the pair tackle a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon in a single day.

Jamie crossed the finish line in 11 hours, 40 minutes and 54 seconds, with Kathryn completing the course in 12 hours, 28 minutes and 50 seconds.

Although both had previously taken part in Half Ironman events, Copenhagen marked their first attempt at the full-distance challenge.

The achievement followed months of intensive preparation, with early-morning training, long bike rides and hours of swimming and running fitted around their careers.

Kathryn said: “It’s difficult to put into words how it feels to have actually completed a full Ironman. 

“There were moments during the day when it felt incredibly tough, but crossing that finish line made every early morning, every long training session and every tired leg completely worth it.

“Knowing we were doing this for Percy Hedley gave us an extra reason to keep going when things got difficult. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and supported us throughout the journey.”

Jamie added: “A full Ironman is every bit as tough as you imagine it will be – and probably a little tougher! 

“But finishing in 11 hours 40 minutes is an incredible feeling.

“The training has been a huge commitment, but being able to do it alongside Kathryn and raise money for The Percy Hedley Foundation has made the whole experience even more worthwhile.

“There were definitely some tough moments out on the course, but once you see that finish line, all you can think about is getting across it. 

“We’re absolutely delighted to have done it.”

Their efforts have so far raised £1743 for Percy Hedley, which supports children, young people and adults with disabilities across the North East.

Bev Reid, corporate relationships manager at The Percy Hedley Foundation, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Union Quay Dental. Kathryn and Jamie have shown incredible determination in taking on such a demanding challenge, and their fundraising will help us continue to provide vital services to people with disabilities across the North East.

“We’d like to congratulate them both on an amazing achievement and thank everyone who has supported their fundraising.”

Donations can still be made via Kathryn and Jamie’s fundraising page, with every additional contribution helping The Percy Hedley Foundation continue its work across the region. 

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