A group of North Yorkshire NHS health visitors have taken on a “tough” triathlon to raise funds for health visitors and breastfeeding champions to continue their work in providing ongoing support for breastfeeding mums and families.

The team, part of Growing Healthy North Yorkshire 0-19 Children’s Service, bravely took on the Skipton Triathlon on Sunday 14 April, which included a 400m swim, a single lap 22km circuit bike ride and a two lap 5km run all in and around Skipton. The team involved were: Rebecca Westwood, Jo Fambely, Debbie Stuart, Sarah Morrish, Heather Bullock and Bill Hall.

The group took on the triathlon to raise money to continue the work of their breastfeeding champions’ initiative – which provides specialist breastfeeding support to mothers and families who are experiencing complex challenges with breastfeeding that cannot be met through basic help and support. To enable them to do this the team are raising money to provide more specialist training and resources to enhance this essential role.

Debbie Stuart, Community Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator with Growing Healthy North Yorkshire, said: “We were all nervous to take part, especially when we saw how tough the triathlon was going to be. However, it was all worth it. It was amazing, we all really enjoyed ourselves. Fingers crossed we will raise lots of money to provide that support to mothers and families who are experiencing challenges with breastfeeding.”

The team who took part in the triathlon is made up of staff in the Growing Healthy North Yorkshire service, which are 0-19 children’s services delivered by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust across North Yorkshire.

Following their triathlon efforts, Debbie and the team are still raising money for the new initiative. Donations are welcomed via their JustGiving page. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deborah-stuart1 to find out more.