Nine-year-old completes triathlon to buy bike for disabled brother

10:00am Wednesday 7th January 2009

By Filip Hnizdo

A nine-year-old from Bushey cycled, swam and skied ten kilometres to buy a £600 birthday present for his disabled younger brother.

A determined Oliver Cox thought up and organised the challenge to help Noonan's syndrome affected Harrison take to the road on a special tricycle in time for his seventh birthday next week.

After deciding on the three sports and putting in a spot of training, Oliver, of Bushey Mill Lane, took to the artificial slopes of Radlett's Realli-Ski centre.

Despite describing the simulator as “like real skiing but not” and “really weird” the budding athlete had no time for confusion as he did a 4,800m ski in 37minutes only to hop on a bicycle and cycle to Bushey Grove Leisure Centre as quickly as he could.

Temporary disaster struck a stone's throw from the second leg's finish when a sharp rock punctured his trusted bike's tyre.

A quick thinking Oliver took a glance at his dad Greg's vehicle and made a prompt exchange.

Greg said: “He got the puncture just outside Costco and instead of going home to collect his other bike he swapped with me so he could finish even tough he was far too small to sit properly on it. Then he got to the swimming pool and jumped right in.”

Oliver admitted his dad's bike made him wobble but said he remained focused on completing the challenge for his brother. The three mile cycle ride took him 25 minutes.

Although his dad was concerned the swimming would be the toughest challenge, Oliver managed 12 lengths in 11 minutes, beating his training time by seven minutes regardless of the preceding six mile trek.

Greg said: “I thought that'd be the one that really stretches him but he just kept on going, got straight in the pool and away he went. I suppose the adrenaline just kept him going.

“Afterwards he joined some of his friends to play football on the astroturf for an hour. He has more energy than reason.”

He added that Oliver's efforts had delighted his dad, his mum Jane, but most of all Harrison, who he said already “idolises” his brother.

Oliver, who with James goes to Highwood School, said he had enjoyed the challenge and was considering similar ones in the future.

The tricycle, supplied by Theraplay comes with a back brace that will help support Harrison whose joints and heart are affected by his illness.