WHILE most people are looking forward to taking it easy this bank holiday weekend, staff from Thornleigh Salesian College will be competing in a triathlon.

On Sunday the group will be facing the challenge of a 400m swim, a 21km bike ride and a 5km to finish it off as they compete in the Rossendale Triathlon.

They will be raising money for Regain, a charity which Maria Crosby, the school's BTEC co-ordinator and alternative curriculum, has supported for 10 years.

The charity improves the independence of British men and women who have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports or leisure injury.

She has helped raised £8,500 with friends, colleagues and relatives by competing in events such as Ironman, marathons, sponsored school events, and triathlons.

Mrs Crosby said: "I am delighted with everyone’s response but am now feeling ‘very nervous but also looking forward to the event’.

"UK Regain chairman Gwynne Furlong was the guest at Thornleigh Salesian College’s whole school achievement evening in 2013 and spoke to students about Regain charity.

"This was a great success and also helped students to understand and appreciate the difficulties with disability and how your life can suddenly change."

And despite being billed as an athlete’s race, some of the team have never taken part in a triathlon.

Jilly Cooper, the school's media production manager, said: "I am excited to see what’s in store on Sunday as I have never done a triathlon before.

"I’m not too worried about the individual events — it’s just doing them one after the other which is going to be the real test of stamina and metal strength.

"Myself and Maria have done quite a lot of training over the winter months — which has involved fell running up Winter Hill and a bike rides after work.

"We have had great support and sponsorship from staff at school which has been great and really spurred ‘Team Tri’ to do well."

English teacher Michelle Carroll added: "I’ve never been involved in anything like this before.

"I am so far out of my comfort zone.

"I don’t even have my own bike — I’ve had to borrow one.

"I got involved because I wanted to make a difference and help raise money for Regain.

"Even if it takes me hours, Regain will be driving force to get me round the course."

Headteacher Alison Burrowes, who is is supporting the team, said: "We are very proud of our amazing team of triathletes and wish them the best of luck in the event. They have been training hard and I’m sure they are all going to do brilliantly."