A YORK solicitor is tackling an Olympic-style triathlon in her quest to raise money for a spinal injuries charity.

Robyn Oldham will be one of 5,000 competitors in the London Triathlon who will be swimming for a mile in Victoria Dock on Sunday before cycling 24 miles and then running for six miles.

Robyn specialises in helping people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of accidents or clinical negligence for York law firm Harrowell Shaftoe.

She has set a minimum fundraising target of £400, but hopes that local businesses will help her to achieve a far higher figure through corporate sponsorship.

She said: "In the course of my work I meet a lot of people who have suffered serious back injuries and the Spinal Injuries Association provide a vital service to them. The association provides rehabilitation programmes to help people get back to leading as normal a life as possible."

Robyn, 29, who lives off Poppleton Road, and is a member of the White Rose Triathletes, has been training at least 12 hours a week in the run up to next Sunday's event.

She swims every morning before going to work and cycles for two hours after work. Every weekend she will run ten to 15 miles and complete a 50-mile cycle ride.

"It's easy to take good health for granted, but people's lives can change dramatically and suddenly as a result of an accident and it is good to know that the Spinal Injuries Association is there to provide much needed support for victims and their families," said Robyn.

Individuals or businesses wishing to sponsor Robyn can phone her on York 558600 or log on to the charity website www.justgiving.com/robyn

Updated: 10:25 Tuesday, July 29, 2003