AN Old Colwyn woman will be enlisting the help of her family to complete a gruelling charity triathlon this weekend.

Emma McCloskey, who has lived with Chronic Juvenile Arthritis for the last 40 years, will be embarking on the Superhero Tri-Para Triathlon, which will take place at Dorney Lake in Windsor on Saturday, August 18.

Husband Paul McCloskey will be participating in the swimming section across the lake, with Emma cycling 3km.

Son Tom McCloskey, a former pupil at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, has volunteered to take up the running portion of the task.

She said: “After 40 years of living with Chronic Juvenile Arthritis and the last 27 years of thoroughly enjoying being chief supporter for my husband and son's sporting events, I've finally found a sport that can facilitate my can do approach to life and making the best of a bad lot with a rheumatoid disease.

“Those that know me well will know that this is a massive challenge for me, even though it is only a short distance to ride form some.

“Living with a rheumatoid disease is a painful battle all day long (and often through the night) just to function through the basics of walking, dressing eating etc.

“But, approached with a smile and the support of family, friends, colleagues and a fantastic team of medics, life is good.”

Emma has been training hard in the lead-up to the competition at Parc Eirias’ Race Track with the Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club, who are also lending her the four-wheel fixed gear bike for the event.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting Emma’s Just Giving page situated at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-para-tri.