Published: August 25, 2021 | Updated: 26th August 2021
It’s never been done before.
Until now.
RAF Physical Training Instructor Frankie Tinsley has successfully completed an extreme triathlon like no other.
Over the last fortnight the 40-year-old has:
In total, Frankie, a Flight Sergeant with the RAF and who lives in Bournemouth, tackled 65km of swimming, 1,468km of cycling and 195km of running.
So far his efforts have raised more than £24,000 for the mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Arriving in John O’Groats, pictured left, Frankie said it felt “super surreal” and described his experience as “totally epic”.
Reflecting on the previous 14 days he added: “I’m inspired by the whole team and the sacrifice to get me here.
“The more that we can be transformational in life to make a difference, the world would be a better place.
“Less transaction, don’t push finance, don’t do things just for reward, do things for the better good.”
Apart from establishing the Talisman Triathlon, and raising awareness of physical resilience, positive mindset and the pillars of body, mind and spirit, Frankie aimed to signpost mental health and suicide.
Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives.
Seventy five per cent of all UK suicides are male.
Between 2016 and 2017 Frankie lost two friends to suicide.
Both were called Andy.
The concept for the Talisman Triathlon was first thought up by one of the Andy’s.
The triathlon took Frankie through both of their home towns.
As reported by Dorset Biz News, the former Royal Marine commando, pictured with his kit for the Talisman Triathlon, had never completed a triathlon before.
He said: “I didn’t choose the event – it chose me.
“No one has yet to establish a triathlon across Britain’s longest lakes and highest mountains.
“In all respects, I am an underdog, taking on something that has never been done before.”
Olympic track cycling champion Victoria Pendleton, pictured, joined Frankie as he entered Scotland.
“I am extremely honoured.
“She’s an extremely inspirational woman and I’m very fortunate to have her friendship,” Frankie later posted on the Talisman Triathlon Facebook page.
Among those backing the challenge was ThruDark, the Poole-based clothing and equipment brand, co-founded by Frankie’s brother, Louis, and Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker in 2018.
Louis, pictured left, had 14 years’ distinguished and decorated military service, eight within UK Special Forces.
Speaking in John O’Groats, Frankie paid particular tribute to ThruDark.
He said: “I wouldn’t have got here without everyone else.
“And that’s everyone along the way, from the media team to ThruDark, especially, for supporting everything.”
Other sponsors of the Talisman Triathlon were CALM, Huub Design and Ribble Cycles.
Donations to CALM can still be made by clicking here.
