Buckley man tackles Chester Triathlon in tribute to friend’s late son
A man from Buckley will take on his first Olympic distance triathlon next month in memory of a friend’s young son who died last year.
Robbie Davies, 35, will compete in the Chester Triathlon on Sunday 7 June, raising money for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice.
He is taking on the challenge in memory of Oliver Saunders, who was six years old when he died in September 2025.
Oliver, also from Buckley, lived with an extremely rare genetic condition called DYRK1A Syndrome.
He was blind and had additional complex medical needs.
Hope House provided respite and therapy sessions throughout his life.
Oliver’s parents, Dan Saunders and Nicole Cruse, are close friends of Mr Davies.
Dan Saunders was best man at his wedding, and Mr Davies is set to return the favour later in June.
The Chester Triathlon course takes in a 1.5km swim in the River Dee, a 40km cycle ride towards Wrexham and a 10km run around the city.
Mr Davies said: “The work the hospices do is phenomenal.
“I’m more than happy to be doing what I can to help raise funds and awareness.
“The staff are amazing and did so much for Oliver.”
On his preparations, Mr Davies said: “My training is going well but this will be my first big triathlon, it’s a 1.5km swim in the River Dee, a 40km cycle down towards Wrexham and finally a 10km run around the city.
“The runs around Buckley are hillier, so I’m confident with that stage.
“I had a little taster of what’s to come recently by doing a smaller sprint triathlon.”
Oliver’s father, Dan Saunders, said: “Our friend Robbie is taking on the Chester Triathlon to raise vital funds for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith in memory of our son, Oliver, who sadly passed away in September, 2025.
“Throughout Oliver’s life, Hope House provided incredible care and support, giving him wonderful experiences with their nurses and staff while ensuring all of his needs were met. Their care also gave Nicole and me precious respite, knowing Oliver was safe, comfortable, and so well looked after.
“Since Oliver’s passing, Hope House has continued to support our family through counselling and bereavement services, for which we are deeply grateful.
“Robbie’s challenge is a way of honouring Oliver while helping Hope House continue the extraordinary work they do for families like ours.
“Please support him and Hope House so they are able to continue to provide important services to families of children with complex medical needs.
“Good luck Robbie and thank you, we and Oliver will be with you every step of the way.”
Donations to support the fundraiser can be made via Mr Davies’s JustGiving page.
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