WUTH Consultant Overcomes Surgery to Take on First Ironman Triathlon

A consultant at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), is preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges—her first-ever Ironman Triathlon. This remarkable endeavour comes on the heels of major surgery and a serious cycling accident.

Dr Anne Noglik, 55, will compete in Ironman Tallinn on 23rd August 2025, an event that consists of a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon, all of which must be completed within strict time limits.

For many, an Ironman represents the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance—a challenge the community paediatrician from Upton, once thought impossible.

“I never considered this a possibility,” she said. “But when you physically can’t do something, that’s when you start wishing you had taken those opportunities.”

Her journey to the start line has not been easy.

Anne’s involvement in triathlon began through her husband, Dr Martin Pritchard-Howarth, also a consultant at Arrowe Park Hospital, who has competed in Ironman events for years. She gradually built up her own experience, completing a half Ironman in 2014. But, in 2017, a slipped disc led to spinal surgery, forcing her to stop running.

She continued swimming and cycling until 2023, when she was knocked off her bike by an aggressive driver while training for a Coast-to-Coast cycle event.

“I didn’t want to cycle again. My confidence was gone,” she admitted.

The accident left her with injuries that required elbow surgery at Clatterbridge, performed by orthopaedic surgeon and fellow triathlete Simon Robinson. Although the ordeal shook her, it also reignited her determination.

Inspired by her husband—who has completed a Deca, ten consecutive days of Ironman or half Ironman events—she decided to take on the challenge she had once believed was beyond her.

Training has been both physically and mentally demanding. Anne still feels vulnerable on the roads after her accident and now prefers to cycle in a group. Returning to running after a seven-year break has been another major hurdle, but she is building up slowly to avoid injury. She has already secured a ballot entry for the 2024 London Marathon, which will be a key milestone in her Ironman preparation.

A firm believer in the power of exercise for mental as well as physical health, she credits the support of her triathlon clubs for helping her stay motivated.

“I would strongly encourage anyone thinking of triathlon to join a club,” she said. “The enthusiasm, friendship and encouragement you find there make such a difference.”

Her biggest supporter remains her husband, whose enthusiasm for endurance sports has sometimes led to surprising gifts.

“He once bought me an entry for a marathon as a Valentine’s Day present,” she laughed.

Now, as she prepares for one of the most gruelling endurance events in the world, she hopes her story will inspire others to push beyond their doubts.

“To those who think they can’t do it, I can relate,” she said. “But doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”