On Sunday, 14th July 2024, Alison Lyons, Director of Sesame Access, achieved an extraordinary personal milestone - completing her first-ever Half Ironman challenge!
Set against the stunning backdrop of Ashton Keynes Water Park in the heart of the Cotswolds, UK, the event was fantastic and pushed Alison to her physical and mental limits.
The Half Ironman competition includes a 1.9km open water swim, a 90km bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (half marathon) run, all completed on the same day. For Alison, this was no small feat, but it was a challenge she embraced with her signature determination and grit!
Competing for the Viceroys Triathlon Club, Walton, Alison took on this monumental challenge to test her own endurance while drawing attention to the struggles faced by others, particularly those living with disabilities.
Reflecting on the experience, Alison said:
“I am really proud that I can call myself a Half Ironman! It was a tough challenge - both physically and mentally. I had to dig deep, overcome challenges, and really push myself to complete what I needed to do.
“This challenge reflected the challenges people in wheelchairs face, daily, just to live their lives. I am in awe of their resilience, determination, and courage. I am so pleased that Sesame Access has designed a product that can help make their lives slightly easier, enabling them to ‘glide’ through buildings and reduce their daily ‘Ironman’ challenges.”
Completing a Half Ironman is no easy challenge, and Alison’s achievement was a powerful reminder of the value of persistence and resilience. However, as tough as the race was, Alison reflected on how the experience mirrored something even greater, the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. For many, moving through life with a disability can feel like running an endurance race every day, with obstacles and barriers that make even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable.
Just as she fought through the fatigue of swimming, cycling, and running, people with disabilities face their own "Ironman" challenges simply by navigating the world around them. But unlike the physical challenge of a race, their struggles are compounded by the accessibility barriers in the built environment - barriers that we are committed to breaking down at Sesame Access.
At Sesame Access, we share Alison’s vision of a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can access the spaces they need without unnecessary obstacles. Our Sesame Lifts are designed to improve accessibility in both public and private spaces, allowing people to move freely and confidently, just like everyone else.
Alison’s personal experience in her Half Ironman highlights the very essence of what Sesame Access stands for - pushing through challenges, whether physical, mental, or environmental. Breaking down barriers is not just a mission; it's a commitment we live by every day - through our products, our service, and our relentless pursuit of inclusivity.
Congratulations, Alison, for showing us all what true resilience looks like. Your determination is an inspiration, and it fuels our shared mission to create a more inclusive world for everyone!