WORLD class Ivybridge triathlete and personal trainer Fin Saunders has vowed to complete an incredible 24 hour challenge next week to raise money for the charities supporting his dad through a battle with bone marrow cancer.

This Thursday, September 29, Fin will head to McCaulays gym in Ivybridge to start what he is calling a 24 hour non-stop solo sprint triathlon.

Beginning at 6pm, Fin will swim 750 metres, before getting on his bike which will be set up statically in the gym and cycling 20 kilometres, then running 5km on a treadmill. And when he finishes, he will repeat the cycle, over and over again until 6pm the following day, 24 hours later - with no sleep and only essential breaks.

Team GB member Fin has just returned from the World Triathlon Championships in Mexico, where he took on the world’s best over the sprint distance in the 35-39 age group. After a great showing he placed 9th out of 89 competitors in the 39 degree heat.

Following the race, Fin immediately turned his attention to the next challenge. He said: ’After this race I feel good. I’m nervous that my legs may give way and cramp up after so long without stopping, but I know in my head I will not stop no matter what.

’I am 100 per cent determined and there is no option to fail. However I feel, it’s a mere drop in the ocean compared to the pain and suffering that cancer patients and their families go through.’

Fin is raising money for three charities: Myeloma UK; the Exeter Leukemia Fund; and North Devon Hospice. The three organisations have helped his father as he battles myeloma, undergoing chemotherapy and stem cell repair to try to counter the illness.

To support Fin, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/finsaunders (CORR. no www), or go along to McCaulays next Thursday evening or Friday and cheer him on.