Gruelling challenge inspired by charity that helped friend

But for Harrogate man Ben Naughton, it will mark the start of an epic fundraising challenge that will see him compete in exhausting events five weekends in a row to raise £5,000 for the MS Trust.

The challenge was inspired by his friend James Al-Mudallah, who was diagnosed with the disease aged 23 last year and was supported by the charity.

Mr Naughton, 24, said: “I chose each one because each is such a challenge in its right. So many people ask for sponsorship, I thought the more crazy the challenge, it might persuade people to donate.”

Following the half Ironman on August 31, he will compete in the Coniston Chill Swim, row a marathon, cycle from London to Paris and then finish the challenge with Berlin Marathon on September 28. In total, he will run, swim, cycle and row over 500km.

He said: “The first challenge is the most daunting, because it’s everything thrown at you - a swim, then jumping from the bike into a marathon.”

To sponsor Mr Naughton visit www.myfiveinfive.co.uk