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Flight Sergeant Frankie Tinsley takes on UK's first ultra-triathlon

Frankie in a wetsuit swimming in a lake.

Flight Sergeant Frankie Tinsley will take on the ultimate test of endurance, stamina and strength by completing the UK’s first ultra-triathlon.

He will be cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats, swimming the longest lakes and climbing the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland.  In memory of two friends and colleagues, Frankie will cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats, swim the longest lakes and climb the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland. 

Frankie and his bike.

Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives, with 75% of all UK suicides being male.  Between 2016 and 2017, Frankie lost two friends to suicide.  This inspired the concept for the Talisman Triathlon, with the route crossing through one of the friends’ hometown.  

The Talisman Triathlon will be the first time anyone has completed a run, swim, and cycle from Lands’ End to John O’ Groats.  Frankie hopes his journey will encourage those who may be struggling in silence to speak out and seek help; raising awareness of resilience and a positive mindset for mental health and suicide.  He will also raise money for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).  The Charity CALM is the UK’s leading movement against suicide.  Since the beginning of Lockdown, the CALM helpline has answered over 190,000 calls and chats; with each potentially life-saving call costing £8 to answer.  

Map of the route across the UK, with location of each stop. roats. 
The route Frankie will travel, from Lands’ End to John O’ Groats.  Each day is shown on the map, with its location, distance between checkpoints, and whether it is a cycle, run or swim.

"People should know that I am not a triathlete, In fact, I have never done a triathlon.  I didn’t choose the Talisman Triathlon, it chose me! I hope that my journey into the unknown will raise awareness around physical and mental health, and encourage those who may be suffering in other ways, to find hope and reach out."

Flight Sergeant Frankie Tinsley
Talisman Project Founder

Frankie has not set a fundraising target because he wants to signpost the charity CALM, and encourage people to follow and share the story of the Talisman Triathlon to reach as many people as possible.

Frankie running a hill amid clouds and fog.

The first day of 14 will see Frankie visiting one of their his friends’ memorials, and towards the end the challenge Frankie will pass Ballachulish, where the other chose to pass. 

Project Talisman is in collaboration with ThruDark, HUUB, Ribble Cycles, Inov-8, Muc-Off who will be supporting the project throughout.

You can follow Flight Sergeant Frankie Tinsley progress on Facebook or on Instagram.