Chorley man dedicates his Ironman challenge to his Pilling dad

Before dance teacher Nick Atack, of Pilling, died of cancer in 2014, aged 70, his son Christian told him he would compete in the Ironman UK in Bolton and Chorley.The 42-year-old from Heapey had spent the last few years getting into shape and was immensely proud to have achieved the ultimate tribute to his dad.Christian, who has two children, said: “I told my dad I would do the Ironman Challenge as encouragement whilst he was going through his treatment. I thought it may be just one way I can get close to the feeling he suffered through his challenge.“He reminded me that I couldn’t swim, but he believed in me and said he would be there at the finishing line.“So I made it my goal to do the challenge as a tribute to him and I finally did it.“It was one of the hardest things I have done but the most enjoyable.I was second to last in the swimming - taking two hours seven minutes, but I made up for it cycling, as I did seven hours 32 minutes and I ran for four hours 36 minutes. I managed a life-long achievement in completing the challenge in under 15 hours.“My dad, who ran Dancers dance school, in Preston, would be overwhelmed. His standards were exceptional.”Christian raised more than £600 for the Ironman’s chosen charities - Macmillan Cancer and Scope.

To support Christian visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christian-atack1?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=Christian-Atack1&utm_campaign=pfp-tweet

For tributes on Nick Atack click here /tributes-to-preston-s-king-of-dance-1-6966340 and /mourners-dressed-to-impress-at-lancashire-dance-teacher-s-funeral-1-6982855