A THORNBURY fitness instructor who has qualified for the Ironman world championships in Hawaii is appealing to the public to help get her there.

Taryn Roberts, 28, qualified for October's event in Kaluia-Kona by winning her age category at Ironman Wales last year.

She won the endurance race by more than an hour in what was her third attempt at qualifying for the world championships.

The cost of travel and entry to the event, which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and a 26.2 mile marathon, means Taryn's ability to take part is in doubt.

She said: "Unfortunately as with most sports, the higher the level the higher the costs involved.

"The road to Kona has already proven to be very expensive."

Taryn, who works for the Circadian Trust, is hoping to raise £4,950.

Her friend Jackie Kavanagh organised an afternoon tea at Papilio at Heritage on Saturday.

Taryn added: "I train extremely hard every day with some weeks reaching 15 hours of training.

"This is not always easy fitting the training in around my work and life's daily commitments that we all have.

"My goal is to win my age category at Kona this year and to try and become a professional triathlete within the next couple of years.

"I'd like to see how far I can go in the Ironman World and am committed to giving it my all.

"If you think you may like to be involved in the exciting world of triathlon I would appreciate all the help I can get.

Taryn can be contacted at taryn.roberts@hotmail.co.uk .

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