One of our supporters is preparing to complete the equivalent of 30 Olympic-distance triathlons in 30 days to raise funds for Vasculitis UK.
Nic Rotton, a former banker and finance broker from Nottinghamshire, was diagnosed in 2021 with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). The condition initially attacked his kidneys and spleen and later returned in 2024, affecting his sinuses and leaving him partially deaf. Now in remission but still immunocompromised, Nic has set himself a formidable challenge to raise awareness and funds for Vasculitis UK.
Over 30 days, Nic will attempt the equivalent of 30 Olympic-distance triathlons, swimming one mile, cycling 25 miles and walking six miles each day around the Nottingham area.
Nic, who worked in banking and finance for many years before his health forced him to step away from work, said the challenge was inspired by a desire to give something back and raise awareness of a condition many people have never heard of. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to come through the worst of the illness and reach remission,” he said.
“But when you’re diagnosed with something as rare as GPA it can feel incredibly isolating. The support from Vasculitis UK, particularly their helpline and patient community, was invaluable during some very difficult periods.This challenge is my way of giving something back and helping raise awareness of a disease that most people have never even heard of.”
Nic has set a fundraising target of £15,000. At the time of going to press he has already reached over £9,000.
As a lifelong Nottingham Forest supporter, he originally hoped to visit every Premier League ground. However, because large crowds remain a medical risk due to his immune suppression, he instead designed a virtual challenge based on travelling between the stadiums.Mapping a route that starts and finishes at the City Ground and passes the other Premier League clubs creates a journey of just over 950 miles. Completing 30 Olympic-distance triathlons over 30 days will take him beyond that distance.
“I’ve never completed a triathlon before,” NIc added. “Most of my exercise in recent years has been walking the dog and the occasional swim, so this is definitely pushing me well outside my comfort zone.”The challenge will start and finish at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, with the club supporting the initiative and allowing Nic to mark the beginning and end of the challenge at the stadium. The finish is planned for the day of Forest’s home match against Newcastle United.Nic is documenting his training and the challenge itself across social media and through a dedicated website, and you can catch up with his progress on the Vasculitis UK and Vasculitis support Facebook pages.
Donations can be made via his JustGiving page. More information about the challenge can be found at
www.rottonrambles.co.uk Vasculitis UK are incredibly grateful to all of our fundraisers, the money that they raise enables us to fund research, provide bursaries to medical professionals and to continue to provide support to people affected by vasculitis in the UK. An interview with Nic, about his challenge and what inspired him will be in the next Vasculitis UK newsletter.