Union Quay Dental’s Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury have crossed the finish line of their first full-distance Ironman, completing the gruelling Copenhagen challenge and raising £1,743 for The Percy Hedley Foundation.

Two North Shields dentists have swapped their dental drills for running shoes and crossed the finish line of one of Europe’s toughest endurance challenges – completing the Copenhagen Ironman in aid of The Percy Hedley Foundation.

Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury from Union Quay Dental on North Shields Fish Quay took on the gruelling event on Sunday 16 August, completing a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon – all in a single day.

Jamie completed the course in an impressive 11 hours, 40 minutes and 54 seconds, while Kathryn crossed the finish line in 12 hours, 28 minutes and 50 seconds.

The challenge marked a major milestone for both, as although they had previously completed Half Ironman events, Copenhagen was their first full-distance Ironman.

After months of intensive training, early mornings, long bike rides, hours in the pool and countless running miles – all fitted around their busy careers and everyday lives – the pair finally made it to the finish line.

And their efforts have already raised £1,743 for The Percy Hedley Foundation, helping support the charity’s work with children, young people and adults with disabilities across the North East.

Kathryn said:

“It’s difficult to put into words how it feels to have actually completed a full Ironman. There were moments during the day when it felt incredibly tough, but crossing that finish line made every early morning, every long training session and every tired leg completely worth it.

“Knowing we were doing this for Percy Hedley gave us an extra reason to keep going when things got difficult. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and supported us throughout the journey.”

Jamie said:

“A full Ironman is every bit as tough as you imagine it will be – and probably a little tougher! But finishing in 11 hours 40 minutes is an incredible feeling.

“The training has been a huge commitment, but being able to do it alongside Kathryn and raise £1,683 for The Percy Hedley Foundation has made the whole experience even more worthwhile.

“There were definitely some tough moments out on the course, but once you see that finish line, all you can think about is getting across it. We’re absolutely delighted to have done it.”

Bev Reid, Corporate Relationships Manager at The Percy Hedley Foundation, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Union Quay Dental. Kathryn and Jamie have shown incredible determination in taking on such a demanding challenge, and their fundraising will help us continue to provide vital services to people with disabilities across the North East.

“We’d like to congratulate them both on an amazing achievement and thank everyone who has supported their fundraising.”

Donations can still be made via Kathryn and Jamie’s fundraising page, with every additional contribution helping The Percy Hedley Foundation continue its work across the region. Just go HERE