CHARITY worker Karen Openshaw is taking part in her first ever triathlon at the age of 50 - and even though she normally struggles to get to the gym regularly.

The mother of two from Bolton is tackling a 500 metre swim, 20k cycle and 5k run in the Cheshire Triathlon at Nantwich on Sunday, May 31. “And I’m determined to finish the course and raise money for Zac’s Youth Bar!” stated Karen.

She was inspired by Stuart Barnes, the founder of Zac’s which works with more than 1,500 young people providing a wide range of activities and support. He pledged to undertake 50 challenges over 50 months to raise £50,000 for the Farnworth and Kearsley youth project in time for his 50th birthday in 2016.

Karen works at Zac’s as head of development and partnerships and wanted to lead from the front with fundraising. So three months ago, she signed up for the Cheshire Triathlon and started her preparation – “although it’s been difficult to train regularly as everything has been so busy,” she added.

She is currently trying to do something each day and has had two run-throughs of the disciplines and distances involved at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, where she is a member.

“My youngest daughter Katie, who is 13, has been running with me which is great. Vicki Maguire, who is head of St Gabriel’s RC High School in Bury, is also supporting me by taking part in the triathlon,” said Karen.

She is finding the training tough, although Karen is no stranger to charity challenges. In the past, she has climbed Ben Nevis, taken part in a 33-mile one day walk and power-walked the Great North Run.

“We are constantly trying to raise money to keep Zac’s going because it’s really important to our young people,” she explained. “So the least I could do was to try something like this to challenge myself.”

* To support Karen’s fundraising, donate at her Just Giving page at www.everyclick.com/firsttriathlon Or text 70070 Zacs22 and put in the amount or contact her on 077484 54329 for a sponsorship form.