A man from Burnley is to take on an epic challenge as he attempts to complete his very own 'ironman'.
He is attempting the brutal challenge in tribute to his sister who battled brain cancer.
Danny Owens, from Burnley, will swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and then run a marathon (26.2 miles) in the unofficial ironman challenge.
The attempt is set to take place on either Saturday, July 30, or Sunday 31, and Danny is doing it to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Danny has chosen to support this charity after his sister, Annamaria, fought off brain cancer.
He said: “My sister had a battle with brain cancer for quite a long time.
"It was horrendous for friends, family and work colleagues.
“Thankfully, she overcame it. Sadly, she now has to battle the repercussions of the cancer treatment the rest of her life - but miraculously she is still alive.”
Now, Dan is training for the gruelling challenge which will be held in East Lancashire.
He said: “The 2.4 mile swim is going to be a pool swim at Pendle Wavelength.
"This is around 155 lengths and I will be more than glad to get that out of the way.
“The cycle and run will be around Lancashire, mostly around the Burnley and Pendle area venturing around Preston and Blackpool.
“I have lived in the Burnley and Pendle area all of my life, which is the main reason why I am mostly doing the triathlon around here.
"It's a place close to my heart, especially with experiencing the battles of cancer with my family and friends.
“Ideally I would like to get people to join me on the bike ride and run, just for small sections.”
Dan, who works at Pendle Leisure Trust, is appealing for people to donate to his JustGiving page.
He said: “I would greatly appreciate any support towards battling this destroyer of lives, even if it is only a small amount, everything counts!
"Please check out my JustGiving Page for more information and how you can help financially.”
Dan’s colleague and Pendle Leisure Trust’s Health and fitness manager, Luke Allwood, added: “I have known Danny for 17 years and throughout those years he has dedicated his life to fitness and his passion for his role as fitness instructor within Pendle Leisure Trust.
“Danny has experienced family members going through the extremely tough battle with cancer and understands the great work his chosen charity does for its patients.
“Please support anyway way you can and if you can donate even a small amount it all helps for this great cause.”
Dan has raised £449 for Cancer Research so far. To donate, visit his JustGiving page.
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