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#Shadows2Giants —  An 18-Month Challenge Journeying to the Himalayan XTri

Endurance forged in the shadows of the world’s greatest peaks — for children whose every day is a climb.

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At Park Lane Special School in Macclesfield, around 150 remarkable children face extraordinary challenges. Many live with profound and complex medical needs, and some with life-limiting conditions. For them, even the smallest achievements — a new word, a shared smile, a moment of comfort — are milestones reached through courage, perseverance, and the tireless support of specialist staff. Their daily journey inspires ours.

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In May 2027, Brett Jarman and Oliver Naylor will take on the Himalayan XTri — an extreme triathlon at altitude, and one of the toughest endurance events on earth — in a bid to raise £100,000 for Park Lane Special School. This is more than a race. It's an 18-month commitment to preparation, learning, and building a community of support — reflecting the determination these children show every day.

 

Why Park Lane?

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Park Lane is underfunded and relies on charitable donations to provide more than just the essentials. Every available learning space has already been used and is now oversubscribed.

 

With your help, we want to fund specialist mobile facilities containing sensory spaces and equipment that will give vital support to pupils. These spaces will offer stimulation, relaxation and comfort; help develop communication and motor skills; provide moments of calm for children to regulate; and create opportunities for participation and inclusion — opening doors to comfort, communication, and joy, and giving every child the chance to reach their own goals, however small or extraordinary.

 

Who's taking it on?

 

Oliver is a teacher at Park Lane and the school's Physical Education Lead. Once a Royal Marine, he now takes on what is arguably a harder and more gruelling role — teaching, leading, and championing the children in his care. His relentless support for the school and its pupils makes it no surprise that he stepped forward for this challenge.

 

Brett retired from competitive triathlon in 2022, and by 2027 will be fast approaching 50. Ten years ago, he competed at elite levels. Now, facing his own obstacles, he wants to give back. Age is slowly creeping up on both of them — and one of the biggest challenges over the next 18 months will be getting fit, staying injury-free, and simply making it to the start line in one piece.

 

Holding the whole thing together is the support crew, led by Craig — Brett's younger, and clearly more intelligent, brother — who has somehow agreed to be part of an endeavour like this (again…)!

 

The Question...

 

Will Brett and Oliver have the stamina and grit to beat the clock and reach High Camp at 3,500m? Or, with the wind behind them and a small miracle on their side, can they push on to the pinnacle and highest point in World Triathlon — the ViewPoint at 4,000m?

 

How you can help?

 

Having been fortunate with many opportunities, we want to give something back — standing alongside Park Lane Special School and the registered charity FOPLSS in their extraordinary work. But we cannot do this alone. We need support not only through donations, but also from experts, partners, and all those who can help us build momentum over the next 18 months.

 

If you think you could help — by donating, spreading the word, or becoming a corporate sponsor — please get in touch.

 

Our target is £100,000. Every single pound brings us closer to life-changing equipment for these children.

 

Together, we can turn shadows into giants. Together, we can bring light, comfort, and opportunity into the daily lives of those who need it most.

 

From life's toughest challenges to the world's highest peaks — #Shadows2Giants