A man from Ulverston is putting himself through a gruelling challenge to remember two of his friends.
Paul McKenny will be attempting the Ironman Tallinn in Estonia on Saturday, August 24.
The challenge incorporates a 3.8km lake swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run around the city of Tallinn.
Although Paul has made a name for himself in the community thanks to his involvement at Ulverston Tri Club, his latest fundraising efforts will put his body to the test like never before.
It is all worth it, however, in the name of raising money for two charities - St Mary's Hospice of Ulverston and St Catherine's Hospice in Preston.
Paul explained: "These two charities are particularly close to my heart as recently two friends and their families have had to deal with coming to terms with the effects cancer and the impact it has on people and their families.
"I’m dedicating the fundraising pages to them but it’s also for everyone who have lost loved ones to cancer over the years."
Paul recently lost his friends Andy Rowett and Andy Britton meaning that his 12th Ironman challenge will take on extra meaning later this month.
"Unfortunately, Andy [Rowett] was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer at just 60 years old, having recently retired with big plans to spend lots of time with his wife and family doing the things we all hope we can do when time allows," he said.
"And then a friend and workmate over many years, Andy [Britton], very recently passed away far too soon - he was also in his early sixties and he lived life to the full with his family and his beloved dogs.
"The two hospices are truly very special places that treat patients and families with care, compassion and dignity through every stage of their cancer journey and without them these people would really struggle."
You can donate to Paul's efforts by visiting his fundraising pages here and here.
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