SWIMMING two-and-a-half miles in a lake is challenge enough for most people, never mind following that up with a 112-mile bike ride and a 26-mile marathon run – all within around 13 hours.

But that is the task businessman Simon Harris, 43, has set himself this summer, as he prepares to compete in a gruelling Ironman triathlon next month.

“I was quite fit when I was younger, and took part in some smaller triathlon events,” the managing director said.

“But when I was building the business, and starting a family, my fitness took a back seat.

“About two years ago, I decided I wanted to get fit again, so I lost some weight, and took up training again.

“The Ironman is the ultimate triathlon experience, and it’s always been an ambition of mine to take part in it.” And to make sure he doesn’t give in Simon, who lives in Poulton near Cirencester, has given himself the extra motivational challenge of raising money in aid of Prospect Hospice in Wroughton, following the death of his friend Ian James’s wife Debbie last year.

Debbie was cared for at Prospect, where she died last year at the age of 42 from cancer which started with breast cancer.

And it was at Ian’s suggestion that the local hospice should benefit from Simon’s fundraising.

“I asked Ian who he would like me to raise funds for, and without hesitation he suggested Prospect,” Simon said.

“I have been approaching all my business contacts, friends and family, because I am determined to raise as much money as possible for this great cause.

“I am pretty certain that I won’t ever be doing an Ironman again, so this is my one opportunity to support Prospect Hospice this way.”

Simon, who will be cheered on by wife Deborah, and his son Oliver, five, and daughter Lydia, four, will join around 1,500 competitors in the event across the Dorset and Somerset borders on September 7.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Simon in his Ironman challenge can visit www.justgiving.com/simonharris3 or call him on 07798 723023.

SIMON'S VITAL STATISTICS


HEIGHT: 5ft 11in
WEIGHT: (roughly) 15 stone
HEALTH/FITNESS AIMS FOR 2008: To complete an Ironman
WHAT DO YOU DO TO TRAIN? Running, cycling and swimming. I cycle around 150 miles each week, run 20-35 miles and swim up to seven or eight miles. I’m usually out on my bike at about 5.30am. I try to do two disciplines a day Monday to Friday, a long run one day at the weekend, plus a rest day.
WHY DO YOU DO IT To keep fit and healthy and because I enjoy it
WHAT ARE YOUR EATING AND DRINKING HABITS? Try to eat healthily but also enjoy a drink at the weekend
DIET VICES? Wine and crisps
HOW'S YOUR HEALTH? Very good
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER SPORT? Circuit training

PROSPECT'S FIRST CHARITY DRAGON BOAT RACE


ON THE same day as Simon’s epic Ironman event, competitors will be lining up here in Swindon, also to raise money for Prospect – in the charity’s first dragon boat regatta.

The Orient-inspired competition will see teams from across Swindon getting on the water at Coate, and there is still time to sign up for the fun-packed day.

Prospect fundraiser Andy Renals said: “We’re looking for teams of between nine and eleven people to join us for a day of high excitement.

“We’ve already recruited teams from some of our locally-based corporate supporters, and we’re now casting the net more widely.

So, if you belong to a local gym, or club, or even if you think you and your mates from the pub could put together a team, we would be thrilled to hear from you.”

Prospect Hospice entered a dragon-boat team in the 2006 Corporate Games and has been keen to organise its own event around the sport ever since.

Andy said: “We’re very excited about taking to the water again, and we hope the people in our local community feel the same way about an event we want to put on our annual fundraising calendar.”

There will also be stalls and refreshments available at the regatta.

Contact Andy Renals on 01793 816142 or arenals@prospect-hospice.net for more details of Prospect’s Dragon Boat Regatta 2008, taking place on September 7.