Kev Tonner thanks sponsors in advance of Triathlon World Championships 

Swindon athlete, Kev Tonner, flies to Canada on Saturday 23 August to represent Great Britain at the 2014 Edmonton ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships. While preparing for his departure this week, he acknowledged the role of his sponsors.

Sponsors include clients, Alex Collar, who funded the wheels to Kev's bike, Homi Patel of REPL, who gave money to the campaign and independent financial adviser, Dan Stallard, who met Kev's travel costs.

redheadPR, the Swindon-based public relations, design and web consultancy, is sponsoring Kev through publicity, online promotion and PR. RUN, the specialists in running and walking analysis, have provided the footwear.

The 31-year-old sports therapist, part of a 20-strong GB team at the tournament, said: "I would like to thank my sponsors. Without their generosity and support, I wouldn't have reached this stage. I can't wait to compete and represent my country. My home town, Swindon, has been so encouraging and it's humbling to receive so much support."

Kev will contest the title in the 30-34 age group on Friday 29 August. His kit, including the bike, is already on its way to Canada.

Kev booked his place after an impressive performance at the Rother Valley Sprint Triathlon in Sheffield last month. Competing against 497 top triathletes, he finished 48^thoverall to qualify. He also won the men's senior race at the Olympic venue, Eton Dorney, in his age group last year, finishing third overall.

The ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships route, in Alberta's capital city, runs through Hawrelak Park and Edmonton's river valley.

Kev's career in sports therapy has included spells at Swindon RFC, Fairford Town FC and Southern Premier side, Swindon Supermarine FC. Now a sports therapist at Championship football team, Reading, Tonner also runs the successful Kev Tonner Sports Injury Clinic at Run, Wood Street, Swindon.

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