Costa del Sol expatriate set for Ironman challenge for new limbs for Sarah

By Joe Gerrard • Published: 22 Jul 2019 • 16:11

IRONMAN: Chris (left) is raising money for Sarah (centre). Credit: Chris Grenfell/Trifit Marbella Challenge, via Facebook

A BRITISH expatriate is set to journey from the Costa del Sol to the top of the Sierra Nevada to raise money for prosthetic limbs for a young Marbella woman.

Chris Grenfell, who lives in Elviria, is set to swim for five kilometres before cycling from the Marbella Arch 200 kilometres to Granada City on Saturday August 3.

It is in aid of Sarah Almagro Vallejo who lost her hands and feet at the age of 18 after contracting septicaemia last year. Chris is working alongside the Somos tu Ola (We Are Your Wave) foundation set up to raise money for Sarah.

He and fellow Ironman participant Jasen Riley are then set to run 50 kilometres to the top of Pico Veleta on the steepest tarmac road in Europe, all in 24 hours. He hopes to raise €3,000 for Sarah’s prosthetic limbs.

Chris told Euro Weekly News he was moved to take up the challenge after a friend told him Sarah’s story.

“I was training at the gym and my friend told me about Sarah. I don’t normally cry and I’m not normally an emotional person but when I heard her story it really affected me. How can that happen?” he said.

Chris added he had done similar challenges previously and when he thought about doing another Sarah immediately came to mind.

“Sarah is a bright and sporty girl. If you meet her she’s so positive and she’s chosen to get on with her life despite everything,” Chris said.

“We are asking people to dig deep into their pockets because we will be digging deep into our reserves to complete this challenge,” he added.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1262624663900193/1262641007231892/