I am doing the Ironman Challenge on 16th September to raise money for a new RNLI lifeboat that will save the lives of the countless people who get into difficulties in the waters around the South Coast of England.

The Taymar class boat is to be named in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and £400,000 needs to be raised to pay for it.

My target is £1250.

An Ironman challenge is a triathlon, which involves a 3.8km swim in open waters; 180km cycle and it ends with a 42km run (!)

This will be my first Ironman Challenge and I'm training hard for it. Previously I've done a 'Toughmudder' (12 mile assault course) and a 'Hellrider' (8 hour duathlon). I started doing these after I gave up smoking 4 years ago and then began volunteering as a full RNLI crew member in Eastney.

I have recently changed my life and realised that its time for me to give something back. I want you to sponsor me so that together we can make a difference to a vital emergency service that is funded solely by donations from people like us.

Thank you very much for your support.