Obiter cannot imagine how some lawyers find the time to fit extra-curricular activities around their hectic work life. Given it is sometimes a struggle to find time to do the laundry post or pre-work it is always impressive when news reaches us of a solicitor who has completed the London Marathon or Great North Run while holding down a job.

So, imagine our admiration to discover that solicitor Gemma Roberts had completed the notorious ‘Ironman’ challenge.

For those not in the know, the challenge consists of three events one after the other. It starts with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 95-mile bike ride and, in case that wasn’t enough, participants then have the mere task of a marathon to contend with.

Gemma, who works at Manchester and Stockport-based personal injury firm Fletchers Solicitors, spent 12 months training in preparation for the Ironman event, which took place on 15 July in Bolton. She raised £1,866 for brain injury charity Headway Preston and Chorley.

Gemma said: ’Taking on the Ironman challenge required dedicating a lot of hours to training. Balancing this with my career was difficult, especially as it was during the same period that I was qualifying as a solicitor. Everyone at Fletchers Solicitors was incredibly supportive, allowing me to change my hours so I could make sure I was training properly. I learnt very quickly that time management was crucial, and every minute of the day had to be planned meticulously to ensure I could fit everything in.’

Well done Gemma!

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