Courageous Christine Completes Alcatraz Challenge

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Wimbledon woman aims to raise £5,000

Wimbledon fund-raiser Christine Bertram came 7th in her age group when she took part in a gruelling San Francisco triathlon.

Christine (right), aged 36, from Durnsford Road, completed the punishing Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in 2 hours, 46 minutes and 11 seconds.

Christine swam 1.5 miles through the choppy seas surrounding the infamous Alcatraz jail in just 33 minutes.

She then cycled 18 miles through the steep streets of San Francisco and ran seven miles on and off road, including climbing the 400-step Baker Beach sand ladder.

Christine, who was raising money for a campaign newly-launched by the Epsom-based MERU charity: The Bugzi Project, finished 270th of 1,700 entrants.

The charity's Bugzi project aims to raise £100,000 to create a fleet of 20 Bugzi wheelchairs, designed by MERU for disabled children under five.

Bugzi gives young children with severe physical disabilities the chance to be independently mobile, helping them develop a wide range of essential life skills. The Bugzi Project will fund the manufacture of the Bugzies, and a scheme to loan them free of charge to disabled youngsters. When the child outgrows their Bugzi, it will be returned to MERU to be made ready for another child.

Christine said: "I had the enjoyment of the experience, the amazing scenery and crowd and I had the feeling of achievement for giving the race my best shot."

To back Christine, visit her fund-raising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristineBertram.

June 13, 2011