A visually impaired man has conquered an epic Ironman event inspired by the care his son received when he fell ill as a child.

Paul Holden, along with his former colleague Gary Shaw who acted as a guide, swam, cycled and ran 140 miles at the Copenhagen Ironman.

The pair took on the challenge in the Danish capital to support Derian House Children’s Hospice, inspired by Mr Holden’s personal story.

Mr Holden, 58, worked as a grounds maintenance worker for 30 years at Blackburn with Darwen Council, but had to retire after being diagnosed with severe sight impairment and being told his eyesight would never return.

The decision to support Derian House through the Ironman was inspired by the care Mr Holden’s son Connor received when unwell as a child.

Mr Holden, from Clayton-le-Moors, said: “My youngest son Connor had to stay in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital 20 years ago and that memory has stuck with me.

“It’s just not fair that children have to deal with that. My son is 28 now, but I’ll never forget that experience. I want to do this for the children who need it.”

After a gruelling training programme, Mr Holden and Mr Shaw took part in the Ironman – made up of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and finished with a marathon – on Sunday, August 18, completing the event in 13 hours.

Due to his impaired vision, Mr Holden required a guide to take part, with Mr Shaw, who has worked alongside his friend for 30 years, offered to take on the role.

The pair were tethered together during the swim and run to ensure Mr Holden travelled in the right direction, while they rode a tandem bicycle for the cycling segment.

Mr Holden added: “This has been our first Ironman, and also our first marathon – which we had to do after the swim and the cycle.

“We have both been training seven days a week in the run-up. It has been really tough, but it has been worth it to raise money for the children who need it most. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Gary.”

Gary, a senior team leader at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We had an amazing time at the Copenhagen Ironman.

“The swim was in the bay of Amager Strandpark, which was so calm.

“Next, we headed out on the bike ride into the beautiful Denmark countryside and forests.

“Then we headed back into Copenhagen city for the 26.2-mile run.

“The training has been hard. We have been swimming in open water every week, running four times a week, and doing one big cycle a week.

“We have been doing triathlons together for around five years, but nothing on this scale.

“Paul and I really bounce off each other. We have had a lot of support from our friends and family, which we are both grateful for.

“We both have had a very positive attitude throughout and we totally enjoyed the full experience.”

Together they raised more than £1,200 for Chorley-based Derian House, and the fundraiser is still open and can be found by searching for ‘Gary and Paul's fundraiser for Derian House Children's Hospice’ on JustGiving.

Ann-Marie Fishwick, community fundraiser at Derian House, added: “What Paul and Gary have achieved together is incredible. They are fearless, and they have truly put their all into this huge challenge.

“Not only that, but they have raised an incredible amount of money and awareness that will mean the world to our families.

“It will cost £6 million to run services at Derian House in 2024, so we rely on the bravery and kindness of our supporters who take part in events like these to help children whose lives are too short.”