Hove: Newman College students complete triathlon for friend

Best friends Alex Pellant and Amar Clark, both 16, lost a close friend over the summer who they describe as “an extremely kind, intelligent and genuinely innocent young man who always knew how to put a smile on your face”.

The two Newman College students felt compelled to do something to make a difference.

The pair decided to do a triathlon in remembrance of their friend and to raise money for the Martlets Hospice, a charity close to the heart of their late friend’s father.

Amar said: “We heard about it and we wanted to do something, we wanted to do something that was physically challenging.

Alex, left, and Amar, right (Image: The Argus) “Whenever we have been running and cycling together we talk about it and remember him.”

Alex said: “It definitely impacted my mental health.

“Doing sports and running gives me space to think about it.

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“We have definitely gotten much closer.”

Speaking on the challenge, Alex said: “We've both been excited. Everyone has gathered around us to support us.

“Our friend was well known and well liked.

The moment Amar and Alex arrived at the college for their final lap (Image: The Argus) “All of the teachers have been amazing.”

On the morning of Friday, November 29, Alex and Amar set out to complete a 1.5 kilometre swim at Brighton’s Sea Lanes, a 40 kilometre cycle ride behind Devil’s Dyke and a 10 kilometre run, finishing at the college in The Upper Drive, Hove.

At the end of the challenge, the pair completed a final lap around the school field spurred on by cheers and encouragement from around 1,000 fellow students and staff.

On the last stretch, Alex and Amar put an arm around each other as they crossed the finish line.

Speaking after the triathlon, Alex said: “It was amazing how everyone came out to support us.

Alex and Amar moments after crossing the finish line (Image: The Argus) “The swim was maybe 30 minutes, so it was quite fast I think. Then we did our 40k cycle, that was pretty tough in the wind.

“Then we did the run around Hove park, which was nice and slow, a nice and easy pace.

“Then we came back here and it was amazing.”

Amar described the moment the boys ran into the school field as “emotional and overwhelming”, a “special moment”.

Alex added: “It was crazy. There were nearly 1,000 people on the top field and the tunnel they made was amazing.”

To date, the pair have raised over £11,000 via their Justgiving page.

Assistant headteacher of Newman College Richard Marsh said: “We’re immensely proud as a group of staff.

“Just the idea that a whole community can come together to support them and get behind them, I think its quite rare these days.

“Just seeing that moment, I felt quite emotional myself. I think it was a success.

“For the boys, this is just the tip of the iceberg. They’re going to continue doing these kind of events in the future.”

The Argus was asked to not include the name of the pair's friend.