If the very idea of running a marathon makes you shudder, spare a thought for a muscle-man who hopes to complete 10 sports challenges for charity.

Ben Pirie, of Buckton Road, Borehamwood, hopes to raise £10,000 for the Woodford Green-based Haven House Children's Hospice to help mark its 10th anniversary.

Over the next year, he will take on two Iron Man challenges, a cycle ride from London to Paris, and the London, Paris and New York marathons.

He will also compete in the London Triathlon and the Grand Union Ultra Marathon.

The 24-year-old has also has already completed a grueling 300-mile cycle ride from Newcastle to London in under 24 hours.

He said: “Earlier in they year I decided I wanted to do some kind of charity challenge. I visited the hospice and was overwhelmed with how inspirational everything was there.

“I wanted to help them out and it escalated into this big, crazy event. It’s going to be a very tough year of training but it will be worth every mile.

“I heard about what the families have to go through and this is nothing in comparison. No matter how hard things are, there’s always people in worst situations.”

The personal trainer is now spending his weekends training for the extreme challenges.

So far, he has raised £1,500 but is urging people across the community to dig deep and sponsor him.

He added: “I’m committed to the training. It’s going to be intense but well worth it when it all comes together.

To sponsor Mr Pirie, visit www.justgiving.com/ben-pirie