Local Ironman Wales Claire Stubbs is not only training hard for the biggest event in her triathlon career, but she’s also busy fundraising for it.

The 39-year-old mum of two came second in the 34-39 age group in September’s gruelling event which saw her win a much sought-after place in the world championships in Kona, Hawaii, next year.

She’s set up the Claire4kona appeal which is going from strength to strength.

“My journey started two years ago with having to learn to swim and get over sea sickness in a pool to becoming capable to ride a road bike for seven hours straight,” said Claire, whose husband Steve and brother Paul Luger, of the New Inn, Amroth, are also proud Ironman Wales medal holders.

“All this was done and somehow I now find myself having qualified for the Ironman world championships in Hawaii 2016 with now not only people from Tenby backing me, but people from the whole Pembrokeshire.”

To raise funds for the £600 entry fee, Claire is organising a raffle which will be drawn at The New Inn, Amroth, late afternoon/early evening on Sunday, December 13. Paul, the landlord and of course Claire’s brother, is also putting on cheese and port for everyone who attends.

“If the ticket sales of the raffle exceed the £600, then this will go to Tenby RNLI,” said Claire.

The RNLI is a charity close to Claire and her family’s hearts as when her late father was six he survived a near tragedy in the sea. He and a group of boys were in a dinghy which started drifting out to sea. The alarm was raised and they were subsequently rescued by the lifeboat.

Continued Claire: “All the raffle prizes have been donated by fabulous Pembrokeshire people and are as follows: PT training session from PMA Kerrie Moran Morris, hamper from Four Seasons, massage from Stephanie Waring, meal for two at the Fox and Hounds, hair cut by Janina Louise, Jago voucher, meal for two at The Buccaneer, Tenby, oil change and tracking from Neil Duffy, Lollies sweety hamper, hamper from Sainsbury’s, A3 canvas from Trade Canvas Print, Fecci meal vouchers, Morris Bros voucher, rug, beer from Saundersfoot Brewery, a meal at The Galloping Major, £50 Jewsons, Tenby, voucher, 10 sessions for Cyclefit donated by Jon, Tenby Cycles, an hour’s swim lesson with Jeanette Poole, Feel Good Inc voucher, plus gifts donated by TP Hughes, Boots, County Clothes, Scentenille, Charlton Cards, Holland and Barrett, Mountain Warehouse, voucher for Gertie Gabble Bakes Cakes, handmade Christmas bunting and attraction passes from Oakwood, Folly farm, Heatherton, Manor House and Blue Lagoon.

Added Claire: “I am also having a silent auction for a G Shock watch, worth over £175, which was kindly donated by reallycheapwatches.co.uk

“I was also contacted by www.atlantictrampolines.co.uk who said they would donate an amazing roller slide worth £175 - this I am also going to auction.

“People can message me via Facebook with bids via my Claire4kona page

“I would also like to thank not only everyone who has donated prizes and bought raffle tickets, but Lesley from the Tenby House Hotel, The Nook in Tenby and Rembrants, Tenby, for sponsoring me. It more than just the money that matters, it is the fact people have faith in me and believe I can do this.”

Raffle tickets can be purchased from Claire (she is more than willing to drop them off and can be contacted via her Facebook page), PMA Kerrie Moran Morris, Scentenille, Tenby, and The New Inn, Amroth.