Ironman WA: Hall's Sunsmart message from the heart

Gearing up for Ironman WA in Busselton next month, Neil Hall is more motivated than ever to complete his eighth Ironman event.

Hall will be raising awareness for sun protection at the event, in memory of his father who recently died after a battle with skin cancer.

After missing out on the registration period for Ironman, Hall entered a SunSmart competition which asked him to give his best tips for sun protection.

However soon after learning he won the competition, Hall’s father passed away after fighting the cancer, on and off, for three years.

“It was a sad time for us (but) it was great that I won this particular competition as I want to pass on the word of slip-slop-slap,” he said.

“If I can just touch one or two more people at Ironman about the importance, it would be great.”

Hall said it would be hard to cross the finish line at this year’s event, knowing his father would not be there to congratulate him.

“Dad was always there at the finish line and he was my number-one supporter,” he said.

Hall said, despite a late start to his training regime for the Ironman, he was looking forward to taking part in the Busselton event.

“I’ve only had a good 10 to 12 weeks (and) I’ve really had to push myself, but once the race starts my body will just go into auto-pilot.

“Busselton is just magnificent and such a spectator-friendly event.”