AN IT expert is swapping brains for brawn to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Simon Turtington will be one of the 1,900 people to take on the ultimate endurance challenge Ironman UK.

The 38-year-old, from Lowton, will swim, cycle and run for up to 17 back breaking hours across Leigh and Bolton to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury, Greater Manchester.

“It’s hard to get out of bed some days but if you don’t put in the training you won’t complete it. Luckily I’ve got an understanding wife and kids, they think I’m crackers but are very supportive. I’ve done triathlons before but never anything like this,” Simon said.

He is training six days a week, running at 6am before travelling to work at Champion Accountants in Worsley.

It is the 10th endurance triathlon to be held at Pennington Flash and takes place on July 20 at 6am and includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon.

He said: “I’m lucky because it’s so close to home I can train on the course. On the day I’ll know all the different routes, where to slow down on my bike and when I’ll have to be out of the saddle climbing.

“I’ve been a spectator at the Ironman before and the atmosphere is unbelievable, you just get drawn into it.”

Simon has provided IT services to the charity that gives end of life and respite care to more than 240 children and young people with life-threatening conditions.

“Francis House is not a sad place, there is obviously sadness but you tend not to focus on it. My team and I have planned and implemented the new IT infrastructure in the new building,” he said.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Simon-Turtington1.