AN ENGINEER from Crossways is hoping he can go the distance and prove himself an Iron Man.

Chris Taylor, 44, is taking on the Iron Man UK challenge in Bolton on July 22 all in the name of charity.

It will be the first time he had ever tackled an Iron Man event, which involves a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and then a full 26.2-mile marathon run.

Chris is hoping his efforts will raise over £1,000 for Rotary charities, with 50 per cent of the funds going to his chosen charity, Cancer Research UK.

Although he has completed triathlons before, Chris said the Iron Man distance represents a whole new challenge for him.

He said: “I have done a half distance one before but not anything like this and now I’m just trying to get the training in.

“Everyone thinks I’m mad.”

Chris, who works for Atlas Elektronik UK at Winfrith, added: “I’m either looking forward to it or I’m pretty scared depending what day it is, it’s quite a daunting prospect.”

A hectic training schedule has kept Chris busy and he recently took part in a 100-mile bike ride in preparation for the event.

He will travel up to Bolton with his partner and stay with relatives from the area, who he is also hoping will offer much needed support on the day.

Chris, who will soon start winding down his training ahead of the big day, said: “I have a target time in mind but the main thing is just to get round without any problems.”

Discussing his chosen charity Cancer Research UK, Chris said: “As I’m getting older I’m finding more and more people have been affected by cancer both close to me and not so close.

“It seems to be a very worthwhile cause.”

Chris will be looking to boost his fundraising efforts with a charity bingo night at the Spitfire Club in Crossways on Tuesday, June 12 from 8pm and is also running a sweepstake at on his finishing time.

To sponsor Chris visit justgiving.com/christaylor-sbr