Army husband's tragic death inspires Victoria's fundraiser

Victoria Betts, with son Luke and daughter Lilith, and (right) her late husband Adam pictured during his army service

A Melton woman says training for an ironman triathlon event is helping her cope with the death of her husband from a rare blood cancer last year aged just 40.

Victoria Betts met Adam while both were serving at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) at Melton in 2001 and they had two children together, Luke, who is now 17, and 10-year-old Lilith.

Sadly, Adam, who served more than 20 years with the Household Cavalry, passed away last May, just two months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Victoria is preparing to tackle the Outlaw Triathlon at Nottingham on July 24 - a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run – in memory of her husband and to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity which supports bereaved children of armed forces personnel.

Victoria Betts takes a break from her triathlon training, with son Luke and daughter Lilith

She told the Melton Times: “Adam’s death has been completely devastating for both Luke, Lilith and myself.

"Exercise has been a means of therapy for myself and going to the gym, swimming plus cycling and running around Melton has, and still is, helping me get through this bereavement.

"This is why I have decided to do the ironman.

"It is a huge challenge and training has kept me busy.”

The late Adam Betts, who served 22 years with the Household Cavalry, pictured during his army service

The couple met at Tubes nightclub in Melton while Victoria was in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) based at the Melton base.