The Harvie-Heath duathlon – Paris 2025

A year ago my partner Briar was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer called ALK+. Fit, healthy and enjoying a busy life with our two boys this was a huge shock. It’s fair to say it turned our worlds upside down. ALK+ is a type of genetic mutation cancer with no known cause and no known cure. But there is hope, and ALK+ International was created with a single mission: to improve the life expectancy for ALK+ cancer patients. Twelve months post diagnosis we were ready for a physical challenge and The Harvie-Heath duathlon Paris 2025 was underway.

Leg one – Brighton to Paris on bike

A keen cyclist, Briar kicked started the challenge and began the cycle from our home in Rottingdean. The weather gods were kind and she cycled with a friend through northern France over the course of three days before meeting us at the Eiffel Tower. Before the marathon baton was handed over, our son took part in the kids mini marathon which was water off a ducks for him but two very proud mums, aunts and grandparents watched and cheered him on. Go Max!

Leg two – Paris marathon

Then came the 42 km along some of the most famous streets in the world. Standing at the start line on the Champs Elysees with 57,000 runners, pumping music and exuberant onlookers got the much needed adrenaline pumping. The kilometers fell away as I took in all the sights of my favourite city and eagerly awaited the four check points I would see my family cheering on. Knowing we had raised over £3000 was also a huge boost and in just over four and a half hours later we were celebrating the end of our challenge. A pint has never tasted so good. Thanks to all who supported us and donated towards this charity. It means a lot.

So what next? With a joint love of mountains I think you will see us aiming for some high altitude challenge before long. But for now we’re just going to keep on keeping on…