AN IVYBRIDGE athlete has completed an extraordinary fundraising challenge that saw him cycle, run and swim hundreds of kilometres without stopping in 24 hours.

Fin Saunders is a top level triathlete and personal trainer who last month travelled to the World Triathlon Chamionships in Mexico, coming 9th in his age group in the sweltering heat.

Following this achievement, fresh off the plane and with just a few days rest, Fin got straight into his next test: a 24 hour, non stop triathlon challenge in aid of three charities that have helped his dad through a battle with bone cancer.

Beginning at 6pm last Thursday, Fin planned to complete repeated sprint triathlons in McCaulays Gym at Dinnaton Health Club, involving a 750 metre swim, a 20 kilometre cycle, and a five kilometre run.

And thanks, he says in large part to the many supporters who stayed with him throughout, Fin smashed his target of completing 12 cycles and finished up at 6pm last Friday on his 14th triathlon. Without stopping, with no sleep and only essential breaks, Fin covered 9,860 metres in the pool, 65 kilometres running, and 260 kilometres on the bike.

On the way, he has managed to raise well over £4,000 for charity, and is hoping to be able to hand over £1,500 each to Myeloma UK, the Exeter Leukemia Fund, and North Devon Hospice once his online fundraising page closes on Friday, October 7.

Speaking afterwards, Fin said he was ’glad it was over’, and paid tribute to all the people who had turned out to cheer him on. He said: ’Thanks to everyone, all the supporters that came up, even if they just stayed for a few minutes. In the afternoon, when the gym was quiet, it would have been so much easier to just give up if they hadn’t been there.’

Fin said he had support from gym staff and members, lots of his own clients and people he trains, and more or less all of Dinnaton Swimming Club, whose training sessions were taking place as he was running, swimming and pedalling. Supporters were with him throughout, some even keeping him company all night.

Fin also believes his successful challenge may constitute an unofficial world record. He has researched online, he says, and believes no one has ever completed 24 hours of non stop triathlons.

Despite this, he added: ’I don’t think I’ll be doing it again in a hurry.’

Fin’s father was diagnosed with myeloma earlier this year, and has undergone chemotherapy and stem cell repair to fight the disease. He receives lots of help from the three charities, and Fin says after an initial period of shock when he felt helpless, he realised he could help his dad - by raising money for them.

To support Fin, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/finsaunders .