Dad completes Triathlon Impossible from Germany to Leigh for MNDA

Inspired by the story of Rob Burrow since his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the heroics of Kevin Sinfield who has completed numerous challenges in his honour, Martyn Clarke also wanted to do what he could to help the cause and show the extraordinary things that ordinary people can achieve.

After previously completing 12-mile runs every day for 12 days, and seven half-Iron Man triathlons in seven days for the MND Association, the 49-year-old set himself his third and final challenge in a 'Triathlon Impossible' from Frankfurt to Leigh.

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Martyn with Rob Burrow and his family at an MNDA event (Image: Martyn Clarke)

Attempting to arrive at Leigh Sports Village in just seven days, Martyn started his challenge in Lake Waldsee in Frankfurt on Saturday, June 24 for a 7000-metre swim, before heading north to the city of Bonn for a 193km bike ride.

With limited sleep and cycling for approximately nine hours a day, participants joined parts of the journey and helped push Martyn along the way, such as Paralympian Ian Marsden, England Women footballers Izzy Christiansen and Steph Houghton, as well as other friends and colleagues.

Cycling for around 750 miles and ascending around 29,000 metres - or the equivalent of Mount Everest - Martyn travelled through Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and France, before reaching the UK for the final part of his challenge.

Martyn started his journey with a 7000 metre swim in Germany (Image: Martyn Clarke)

In support of Leeds Hospitals Charity, Martyn cycled up to Leeds before his 58-mile run to Leigh.

With Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham joining Martyn for the final 10k of his journey, the dad-of-three completed the Triathlon Impossible with just minutes to spare on the seven-day clock watch - and just in time for a pitchside interview before the Leopards' Super League clash against Hull KR.

Numerous people helped Martyn along the way (Image: Martyn Clarke)

Martyn, who is from Wigan but whose wife is from Leigh, said: "I'm a big rugby league fan and I remember watching Rob Burrow run rings around people, so I couldn't believe it when I heard about his story. When I heard about Kevin Sinfield and his challenges for the MND Association, it inspired me to do my own.

"This 'Triathlon Impossible' was the toughest thing I've done by far, but after meeting so many people affected by MND, you can't complain about a few aches and pains because I know I can recover from it.

"We're the fortunate ones and remembering the stories of what people have gone through is what kept me going."

Stopping off in Manchester on the final run back to Leigh (Image: Martyn Clarke)

Raising more than £65,000 for the MND Association through his three challenges, Martyn said that he has received touching messages from Rob Burrow's family and those affected by MND to thank him for his efforts in raising awareness of the disease.

Confirming that the 'Triathlon Impossible' will be his final challenge, Martyn also paid a special mention to Leopards' chairman Derek Beaumont for inviting him for a pitchside interview, getting players involved in previous challenges, and raising awareness of his efforts. 

With the money raised going towards the MMND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, Darby Rimmer Foundation, and MyNamedoddie'5 foundation, you can congratulate Martyn on his efforts and make a donation here.

Martyn's efforts have helped to raise money for the MND Association and four other charities (Image: Martyn Clarke)