Bio for Gerard Charlton 

Click Here for Gerard's Secure Donation Page to the Canadian Cancer Society!

11th Time at Ironman Canada!

I'm not really new to the sport of triathlon, as I am actually one of this area's 'originals'.  I competed in, and still have the T-shirt to prove it, the very first Vancouver Triathlon which took place way back in 1981 at Spanish Banks.  

In 2004, after spending 13 years in the Canadian military as an Air Force pilot and then living in Saudi Arabia for 9 years, I moved the family back to Vancouver.  Upon our return to Canada, I was being prompted to 'get back into' the triathlon scene by old friends like Steve King, who in particular had been encouraging me for several years to participate in the Ultraman.  I decided that I simply couldn't justify putting out that much energy simply for the personal goals and that I needed another 'reason' for doing it - dovetailing the event into raising money for charity that this would be a worthy cause.  After noticing the profound changes that had taken place with the homelessness and youth in our downtown Eastside since I had moved away 23 years before, I decided that I would help raise funds for this cause.  I completed the 2005 Canadian Ultraman, but more importantly, I raised money for The Franciscan Sisters of Atonement and for Covenant House.  The whole process was a success and my family and I met a lot of very special people throughout the campaign.   

During that year I had met Bill Demiris, who was one of the Ironcops for Cancer.  We had become good friends, and I decided that if I had the chance in the future that I would support the Ironcops.  Further to this is, I like many have you, have been quite affected by cancer in my life.  Beyond all the friends and acquaintances that have had to deal with this disease, my Mum had fought the disease with several bouts of it lasting over a 25 year period before she finally succumbed to cancer in 2001.  Our family has always supported cancer research in a big way, so this would be my way of continuing that legacy.

As one of the 'civilian' members who can grow their hair as they wish, I am looking forward to this year's head shave.  I have been growing my locks since last Spring just for this, and am happy to donate one year's growth to charity.

Per Ardua Ad Astra...  through adversity, to the stars!

Professional

Officer in Canadian Air Force for 13 years, attaining rank of Captain.  Duties included Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, Peacekeeping Duties in Sinai Peninsula with Multi-National Force & Observers, Jet Flying Instructor & Instructor at the Canadian Forces Flying Instructor's School.  9 years working for British Aerospace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia training Saudi Air Force pilot & navigator candidates. 

Triathlon

Family