Girl, 10, takes on triathlon to raise money in memory of stillborn brother

A 10-year-old girl is taking on a triathlon in memory of her stillborn brother Joshua and to raise money for a children's hospice.

Lottie Denman will take part in the Henley Kids Triathlon on Saturday, 9 July to "share his name with the world".

The two-day challenge will consist of a 50m swim, 2km cycle and 1km run, followed by a half-mile open water swim in the River Thames the next day.

Lotte said: "I wanted to fundraise for Chestnut Tree House, as they helped me do arts and crafts when I visited my brother."

She added: "I am excited for the challenge…it makes me feel close to him."

Joshua Francis Denton was stillborn in May 2018. An MRI scan while their mother Fiona was eight months pregnant found he had toxoplasmosis - an infection that damaged his brain and skin.

Fiona revealed the hospice which cared for their stillborn baby helped Lottie to "understand what was going on".

She added Lottie found the process "really hard at first".

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Lottie completed her first triathlon in 2021 and decided to challenge herself to take part in two children's triathlon events this year.

The funds raised will go towards the West Sussex based hospice, Chestnut Tree House.

The family visit the hospice's memory garden to remember Joshua every year.

To support Lottie's triathlon challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/lottie-denman2.