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ACTION MAN: Gus McKechnie will be taking part in the gruelling Ironman challenge at Sherborne Castle later this month in memory of his brother

ACTION man Gus McKechnie is set to embark on his toughest challenge yet as he reaches halfway in a year-long physical challenge in memory of his brother.

The intrepid Dorchester man has already run the London Marathon and completed an all-day rowathon and a parachute jump.

Now he is gearing up to take part in the gruelling Ironman triathlon when it comes to Sherborne Castle later this month.

The race, on August 20, will see Mr McKechnie swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run a full 26.2-mile marathon.

Mr McKechnie hopes that his efforts will raise thousands of pounds for charity and awareness of the life-threatening disease that killed his brother Andrew - and with which he himself has been diagnosed.

Haemochromatosis is a genetic condition which causes the blood to produce too much iron and leads to organ failure.

Mr McKechnie, 30 hopes that his physical fitness will stop the progression of the disease in his own body.

He said: "By doing these physical challenges I will be able to demonstrate to anyone that you can control your own fate. And after having to focus on Andrew's illness and grief for so long, I'm eager to prove what I'm capable of.

"The Ironman is going to be tough, but I am looking forward to it."

Mr McKechnie, of James Road, Dorchester, hopes to raise £24,000 through his efforts, which will also see him cycling from Lands End to John O' Groats, competing in the Boston Marathon - a rowing challenge in Lincolnshire - and running the New York Marathon.

The former Thomas Hardye School student said half the money would go towards the Children's Hospice Association, with the rest being split between the Steve Redgrave Trust, the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund, the Helen Rollason Cancer Trust and the GB Adaptive Trust, which supports rowers with disabilities.

He added: "The £24,000 target is high but I hope with the help of sponsorship I will be able to achieve it."

Anyone interested in helping Mr McKechnie out can contact him on 07921 906007 or send him an email at the address iam205@soton.ac.uk

11:44am Monday 7th August 2006

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