A Liverpool lawyer is entering four triathlons to raise money for a local homeless charity.
Rachel Chandler made the decision to run for The Whitechapel Centre after being inspired by a recent case about homelessness she encountered through work.
The Kirwans solicitor was recently representing people who use Whitechapel Centre’s services in court and felt inspired to help their misfortune.
Despite not racing competitively since she finished school, Rachel plans to take part in four triatholons for the Whitechapel, one of Kirwans’ charities of the year.
She said: “Being in criminal law opens your eyes to what is actually going on around you.
“I have worked with some clients who have been affected by homelessness, and it has really opened my eyes to the many varied reasons people end up on the streets.
“Some of my clients have previously worked in highly paid professions, and a change in circumstances has led to them losing everything and ending up on the streets. It really could happen to anyone.
“The amazing work that the Whitechapel Centre does in helping support these people led to Kirwans choosing it as one of our named charities this year, and it was a driving factor in my decision to do the quadruple triathlon challenge.”
Rachel will also be raising funds for Overseas Aid for Kids of Sierra Leone (OAKS), which is another of Kirwins charities of the year.
The Wirral-based charity has already built a school in the country which currently educates 380 children.
Rachel has already completed two of the four triathlons, with her next one being the Chester Deva Divas Triathlon and finishing with the Salford Triathlon, both in July.
Charlotte Hopkins, events and community fundraiser at the Whitechapel Centre said: “Rachel’s Triathlon Challenge is incredibly inspiring.
“To complete one triathlon is hard enough, let alone four. It’s wonderful that Rachel is supporting The Whitechapel Centre and the money that she raises will be a big help in our mission to end homelessness.
“We’d like to thank her for all of her hard work and wish her the best of luck.”
Sarah Birchall, Kirwans practice director said: “The entire Kirwans team is incredibly proud of Rachel and her efforts to support our goal to raise money for these vital causes.
“We are also in awe of her bravery at setting herself such a challenge; to complete one triathlon is an achievement in itself, but to participate in four is an incredible achievement.”