Swimming superstar earns more than a medal!

Nine-year-old Dexter Lighterness took on a big challenge in July completing Tri Sport Essex’s Try-a-Tri taster triathlon for first-time triathletes. Having never competed in a triathlon, he learned how to swim so that he could take part and raise vital funds for the charity close to his family’s heart.

On Sunday 7th July, Dexter joined 230 participants competing in the second annual Try-a-Tri at The Brentwood Centre. Dexter and his junior triathlon participants faced a 50-meter swim, 5K cycle, and 1K run while adult competitors completed a 200-metre swim, followed by a 10K cycle ride and a 3K run.

Dexter’s dad, Scott, participated in the first Try-a-Tri in Brentwood last year, raising over £500 for SNAP. His dad’s experience set the wheels in motion for Dexter wanting to do the same, but there was only one problem; Dexter couldn’t swim! Over the past year, he took swimming lessons so that he could compete in the 2024 Try-a-Tri.

Nimo Saeed, TSE member and Event Co-ordinator, said, “The 2024 Try a Tri was a huge success, and we saw people of all ages turning out to challenge themselves around our event course. The event is for anyone and everyone who wants to try something different, start or restart an active journey and give heroes like Dexter a challenge and goal to aim for.”

“It was hard, of course the teachers had to be strict at swimming, so it was a bit stressful. But the swim was the best part of the event on the day of Try-a-Tri, along with going to the SNAP stall and getting my medal. I was a bit nervous on the day because I didn’t know what to expect but I was excited too. I’m proud of myself for doing it!”

Learning to swim was a huge personal challenge for Dexter, and completing the triathlon was the culmination of his hard work, but it wasn’t the only goal he set himself.

“My motivation for doing Try-a-Tri was to beat my dad’s total from last year and also raise the funds for SNAP as my cousins and one of my friends comes to SNAP.”

Dexter far exceeded his fundraising target of £50 by raising an incredible £785, bypassing his dad’s total, which he was very chuffed to do! Dexter said he was going to keep up the swimming and potentially compete in the duathlon at next year’s Try-a-Tri. But first, he has earned a well-deserved break, relaxing over the summer holidays before heading into Year 5.

Karen Boath, SNAP CEO said, “I can’t believe what a superstar Dexter has been! We’re all so proud of Dexter for doing Try-a-Tri and learning how to swim! He is very brave to take this on. We’re very grateful for all his hard work and for choosing to support SNAP alongside his efforts.”

Nimo adds, “What a determined young man, we are all so proud to hear of his heroic efforts, especially his huge swimming achievement, a skill no doubt Dexter will continue to enjoy for life and what a champ raising a colossal amount of cash for SNAP. And for all the budding Dexter’s out there we have great news – Try-a-Tri 2025 is confirmed for 6th July 2025 at The Brentwood Centre. Whatever your skill level or age, join in and be a hero too!”

Overall, Try-a-Tri 2024 raised a fantastic £3,255 for SNAP. Sara Clifton, Fundraising Manager at SNAP said, “All The SNAP Team are tremendously grateful to Nimo and Tri-Sport Essex for their ongoing support. It is such an honour to be their partnered charity and, as a participant this year, I can also say that it’s a lot of fun too! All the funds raised are hugely appreciated and will ensure that families across Essex, who have a child with any additional need or disability, can continue to rely on SNAP for help when they need it most.”