Leigha Hodgson’s Ironman Challenge
On 4th October 2026, Leigha Hodgson from our Customer Success team in Whitstable will take on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. The Ironman Calella- Barcelona. She is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices, supporting the vital care they provide to patients and families.
The ‘Ironman’, otherwise known as a full-distance triathlon, is the ultimate test of human endurance. It covers:
- 2.4 mile sea swim
- 112 mile bike ride
- 26.2 mile marathon run
But this is not just about completing an event for Leigha. It is about keeping a promise.
The story behind the challenge
For the past three triathlon seasons, Leigha has trained alongside her close friend Sammy. Early mornings, long sessions and shared goals became part of everyday life.
Together, they set their sights on Ironman Barcelona 2026. It was meant to be a milestone moment, 18 months after Sammy completed chemotherapy for bowel cancer and 18 months after Leigha welcomed her baby.
However, just four months later, everything changed.
Sammy was diagnosed with a different, rare and aggressive cancer, with a very limited prognosis despite palliative treatment.
While Sammy is no longer able to take on the challenge herself, Leigha is continuing the journey for both of them.
Sammy’s journey
Sammy is someone who has always embraced challenge.
Whether it is running, training or spending time outdoors with family and friends, she has faced everything with positivity and determination. Even after her diagnosis, that mindset has not changed.
Sammy’s story is a reminder of what really matters. If there’s something you want to do, don’t leave it for later.
That is a message Leigha is carrying with her throughout every stage of training.
Supporting Pilgrims Hospices
Through her challenge, Leigha is raising awareness and funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
Pilgrims Hospices provide specialist care, comfort and dignity to people living with incurable illnesses, as well as vital support for their families.
The charity has already had a personal impact on Leigha’s life, supporting her family during a difficult time. Now, it is also there to support Sammy and her family.
For Leigha, this makes the challenge about something much bigger than crossing a finish line. It is about giving back and helping others receive the same level of care and support.
Balancing training, work and family life
Training for an Ironman requires serious commitment, but Leigha is balancing it alongside work and family life.
She works 28 hours a week while raising two young children, aged 11 months and 8 years. Despite this, she is fully committed to her training programme, putting in the time and effort needed to reach the start line and the finish.
This is not her first challenge. Leigha has previously competed during pregnancy and returned to competition just three months after giving birth.
Her approach is simple. Do not wait.
If there is something you want to achieve, go after it, because not everything can be put off until later.
Support Leigha and Sammy
This is more than an endurance event.
It is a promise between friends.
A way to raise awareness.
A way to give something back.
And a reminder of what really matters.
If you would like to support Leigha and the work being done by Pilgrims Hospices, you can donate here
