An RAF pilot is hoping for plain-sailing when he endures a 155km triathlon to raise money for an orphanage in Tanzania next month.
Richard Fawkes, 30 from Clapham, will compete in the Inferno Triathlon in Switzerland on August 22.
He will swim 3.1km and then cycle 130km through the Alps, before running-up mountains for 25km.
The race involves travelling 155km, and climbing 5,500m (18,000 feet) in just one day.
Richard, who is also captain of the RAF ski team, entered the race for Malaika Kids, which provides support for orphans of Tanzania.
He said: “Without doubt this is the toughest physical challenge I've taken on in my life, and I hope your generosity may reflect this.
"I'm raising money for Malaika-Kids, a charity close to my heart, devoted to building and running a new orphan village, which, when complete, will house and look after over 300 kids whose alternative is living rough on the city's streets.”
Richard aims to raise £7,000, enough to build two huts to house 10 orphans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here