THE care a family friend received before her death has motivated “an average man” to undertake an eye-wateringly extreme physical challenge.

Martyn Houldsworth will take on a 24-hour endurance run, swim 2.8 miles in open water and cycle 360 miles through four countries - all in the space of a week - to raise funds for Christchurch-based Macmillan Caring Locally.

The 37-year-old was inspired to take on the challenge after witnessing the care that family friend Cheryl Sheridan received at the unit in the final months of her life, after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer on her 60th birthday.

Martyn, who lives in Ringwood and works for Bournemouth-based water retailer Pennon Water Services, has set himself a £5,000 target and has already reached £2,000 thanks to donations from family, friends and local businesses.

He said: "The care that Macmillan Caring Locally gave to Cheryl was incredible. They gave her palliative care and when she was in the centre they gave her round clock care for the last few weeks of her life. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff at the unit for all that they did for her.”

Martyn is now training for the challenge, which begins with the Endure 24 run in Reading on June 14, followed by the swim on June 17 and a cycle ride from London to Amsterdam on June 19.

To make a donation, log onto abigchallenge.com.