Child-sized triathlon for Combat Stress

Service charity Combat Stress is set to be helped by the efforts of a four year old boy, when he takes on a small-scale triathlon for charity.

Local news provider The Herald (heraldseries.co.uk) reports that William de Croos from Didcot is set to swim 40 metres – without the aid of floats or armbands – take a one mile bike ride and run 800 metres next month, all over two consecutive days.

As well as bringing in money for Combat Stress, this will help John Radcliffe Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit, in Oxford.

William needed the hospital's help when he had hypoglycemia shortly after he was born.

Heidi Sutton, his aunt, is in Afghanistan at the moment, deployed with the British Army, giving him a connection to the services.

William has been going to swimming lessons every week, has taken part in a 800m dash to practice for the big day, and rides his bike close to where he lives.

"It’s for charity and for all the nurses who helped me when I was a little baby and for the army people who get hurt so that they can get better and they feel better," the young boy told The Herald about his triathlon.

At time of writing, according to William's Virgin Money Giving page, the boy's planned sporting event has thus far brought in £316 for good causes.

This is more than the original £200 target which had been in place, and a revised target of £350 has now been set. The cash will go equally between Combat Stress and the Special Care Baby Unit.

According to its official website, Combat Stress helps veterans who have psychological injuries. It was founded shortly after World War One and recently marked its 95th anniversary.

The organisation's costs to deliver its support (which is free for the people getting it) is £14 million yearly.