FUNDRAISER Gus McKechnie will be getting on his bike next month for the latest challenge in memory of his brother.

Mr McKechnie, from Dorchester, is hoping to run, cycle, swim and row more than four million metres this year to raise thousands of pounds for charity and awareness of the condition that killed his brother.

His brother Andrew died in 2003 from haemachromatosis - a genetic condition which causes the blood to produce too much iron and leads to organ failure.

Now Mr McKechnie, who has the same condition, is set to embark on the first of a series of challenges he has lined up for the next 12 months.

He is aiming to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats and back starting on April 2 before cycling along the south coast to London before following the same route the Tour de France will take on its UK leg later this year from London to Canterbury.

He said: "This is the first of a series of challenges I am planning for this year to raise as much money as possible for charity and to raise the profile of haemachromatosis.

"It's more than 2,000 miles so I am hoping to do around 200 miles a day. It's going to be tough, but hopefully it will help raise awareness of the condition."

Other challenges Mr McKechnie and his pals, who are fundraising under the name Bombay Duck, hope to complete this year include: n A run, cycle, row and sail around the Isle of Wight.

n Indoor rowing marathons.

n A half-triathlon and the full UK Ironman triathlon.

n The Boston rowing marathon in Lincolnshire.

He said: "We are looking for sponsors for all the events and would love to hear from anyone who wants to support our efforts, which will raise money for cancer charities, and charities that investigate genetic conditions including The Haemachromatosis Society.

"I am finishing off the fundraising this year but want to do it in style, so all donations will be gratefully received."

If you would like to find out more about the charity challenges visit the website: www. bombayduck.org