Iron Legend Steve Cook

Iron Legend Steve Cook

If at any point you start to feel the burn at IMUK next weekend, then spare a thought for this guy.

In 2015, Steve Cook completed IMUK as an able bodied ‘regular bloke’ and loved every single second of it.

His plan was to return the following year for a second bite of the cherry and smash his time, so began to train.

This is when disaster struck.

He was hit by a car travelling at 60mph and was left paralysed from the waist down.

He was in such a state  doctors told him that he would never be able to walk again.

What did he do?

Steve is an Ironman, what do you think he did?

He found someone that had unfortunately been in a similar accident but went on to swim the English channel and complete an Ironman!

That was his inspiration.

Steve learned to swim using a pull buoy, bought a hand cycle and learnt how to use a racing wheelchair.

Only one person has ever completed IMUK using a hand cycle and a racing wheelchair before.

Next weekend, Steve will attempt to become the second.

The same cut off times that apply to you and I will also apply to him.

Steve came over to Bolton this week to practice the Hunters Hill and Sheep House Lane climbs.

It was an absolute honour to escort him the 12 miles between the two.

Watching the reaction of members of the public and fellow cyclists as he powered his way round  (some actually stopping to applaud) was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced in my life.

Make no mistake, this guy will be giving plenty of us a run for our money up Hunters, let me tell you!

Keep an eye out for him next weekend and be sure to give him a true Bolton Welcome.

Spectators on the hills, you know what to do! ?

You can follow his progress through facebook either direct – Steve Cook – or via the excellent Ironman journey community

ps I don’t know who’s Bentley that is in the background but trust me – it’s none of ours!

To your amazing journey!