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Ross Sutherland head coach taken aback by generosity after Triathlon success


By Will Clark

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When John Mann set off on the last triathlon of his fundraising challenge, he did not expect to be welcomed across the finish line by a crowd of people.

John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland. Picture: Peter Carson
John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland. Picture: Peter Carson

Ross Sutherland Rugby Club’s development officer last week completed seven triathlons in seven days, completing the final leg of the seventh last Sunday.

Having documented his training regime for months, and posting the occasional update during the week itself, Mann had earned a lot of support for the venture.

As he came into view of the Stags’ ground in Invergordon where the finishing line was waiting, though, he was slightly taken aback at just how many people had turned out to cheer him over the line.

“It was good, there was about 30 or 40 people there which was nice,” he said.

“It definitely stopped me doing any walking right at the end!

“I took a tactical wee break before I got to the high street just in case anyone was there, you don’t want to walk over the line.

“I thought there would maybe be a handful of people, but I didn’t think there would be anything like what there was.

“The fact that they put the barbecue on, and one of the guy’s wives made cupcakes for everyone, it was a cracking effort.”

John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland. Picture: Peter Carson
John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland. Picture: Peter Carson

It turned out to be a celebration of Mann’s accomplishment.

For Mann himself, it was more of a mental drain than a physical effort, but in any sort of sport the mindset is half the battle – and it was no different for him on this occasion.

A boost also came in seeing his fundraising total spiking during the week. Mann took on the challenge to raise funds for the rugby club and Alzheimer Scotland, and though the Just Giving page will remain open until the end of July, as the Ross-shire Journal went to press the total was sitting at around £3200.

“It’s obviously fantastic, and I have been really surprised by how generous people have been,” Mann added.

“I thought people would throw in a tenner or a fiver here or there, but some people have been overly generous I would have said.

“It’s great for the two charities, and I can’t thank people enough for how kind they have been.”

John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland.
John Mann completed his Tri-7 Challenge, completing seven triathlons in seven days, to raise money for Ross Sutherland Rugby Club and Alzheimer's Scotland.

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