A WOMAN will tackle the equivalent of five Ironman challenges in five days to raise funds for charity after her uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Claire Smith, who runs extreme events company Brutal Events, will attempt to swim 12 miles, ride 560 miles and run 130 miles at The Gym in Bournemouth.

She was inspired to take the five triathlon challenge on because her uncle, Alan Norman, is currently suffering from terminal cancer and does not have long to live.

She said: “This has been a really difficult time for Alan and my family, and I felt like I needed to try and do something to help raise funds and increase awareness of this devastating disease. Spending over 100 hours of swimming, cycling and running will be very hard, but I know I’m doing it for an amazing cause and this will help me finish it.”

Claire is aiming to raise £2,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity, which is based in Farnborough.

Over 10,600 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, according to the charity, with less than two per cent of cancer research funding spent on brain tumours in the UK.

The Brain Tumour Charity aims to invest £25million into pioneering research over the next five years.

Geraldine Pipping, head of fundraising, said she was “extremely grateful” for all the efforts made by fundraisers.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years.

“We are leading the way in changing this and truly fighting brain tumours on all fronts through our work. We receive no government funding and rely 100 per cent on voluntary donations so it’s only through the efforts of people like Claire that we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.”

Speaking about her upcoming challenge, which starts on Thursday, December 15, Claire said: “I have an amazing crew who will be looking after me and helping to reach the goal of raising £2,000. I am also being supported by Jack Oat Bars, Better You Supplements, and have received huge support from The Gym.”

To donate to Claire, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/brutalclaire-gymquin.