Like many people facing a milestone birthday it's made me really reflective. I'm very proud of what I have achieved but I realised I'd sacrificed my entire 20's to focus on building my business. I had to acknowledge that I hadn't really achieved any of my personal goals.

It was this realisation that made me want to achieve a personal goal of becoming an Ironman and really challenge my mind, body and soul.

I'm a firm believer that whatever you truly commit to, you can achieve. I've always been a fit lad and tried to train and look after myself. So I thought 'why not tackle the biggest challenge: An Ironman'. And do it in the North West, representing Lancashire.

The challenge isn't purely personal as I want to raise awareness and funds for a charity close my heart.

Inspire Youth Zone, a children's charity located in Chorley, is a safe space for young people aged 8-19 (and up to 25 with additional needs). Open when schools are shut, they provide a range of activities alongside hot nutritious meals, and ultimately work to transform young lives.

As a young lad growing up in Ingol, Preston where money was not only tight it was simply out of the question as we didn't have any, I spent nearly all my school holidays in youth clubs.

Right in the middle of our council estate we were lucky enough to have INTAG (Ingol and Tanterton action group) so I know first hand how important these centres are for not only young people but also their parents. They really are the pillar of our communities and they need help delivering the vital service that they do."

About Inspire

Inspire works tirelessly to unlock the potential of the next generation. Home is not always a happy stable place, but when young people walk through the doors of the Youth Zone they can feel a sense of belonging and are surrounded by positive role models and peers, all of whom push them to achieve greatness in whatever form that may take. In a world where opportunity is often determined by where you are born or what your parents can give you, Inspire allows all young people to dream bigger, push harder, and go on to get the most out of life that it has to offer.

To get involved or show your support go to https://www.inspireyouthzone.org/