A DAD-OF-TWO who is well versed in physical challenges will take on his toughest task on a symbolic date next month.
Sean Ryder, a personal trainer at Gym Etc in Golborne, has completed a number of impressive fundraisers over the years, such as a triathlon and half marathon, as well as clocking over 100 miles in a month.
After raising around £10,000 for various charities, Sean is attempting to push himself even further next month, with a half ironman challenge inside his Golborne gymnasium.
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With Sean planning to undertake the challenge on Thursday, March 17, this will see him undertake a gruelling 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run for Cancer Research UK.
As the dad-of-two has had family and friends who have suffered or passed away from the disease, and a client in the gym has also had a recent family diagnosis, Sean thought this was the perfect charity to tie his challenge to.
With March 17 marking the first anniversary of his mum's passing, the 39-year-old said that it gives the challenge a symbolic weight and all the more meaning.
Sean, from Golborne, said: "I've always tried to do something for charity each year and push myself a little further each time, so the half ironman felt like the next step.
"I'm going to do it all from inside the gym so that will bring its own challenges, but as I'm doing it on such a symbolic date and for such an amazing charity, this will help to keep me going.
"I always try to turn a negative into a positive so doing this on my mum's anniversary will help me remember the date with more positive memories."
Although Sean is trying to cram a six-month half-ironman training regime into a ten week period, he said he is feeling optimistic and ready for the 70 mile challenge that lies ahead.
To support Sean on his mammoth journey, you can donate to his fundraiser here.
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