Steely Steve is taking on Ironman challenge

A Staffordshire man is set to prove he is made of steel in a bid to raise money for his village's emergency first responder group.

Steve Cartlidge, aged 51, will be taking on Lanzarote's Ironman Challenge in aid of Gnosall and District Community First Responders.

The event on May 22 will see Steve consecutively swim 3.8 kilometres, cycle 180 kilometres and finish by running the equivalent of a marathon – 42.2 kilometres.

And Steve, who lives in the village near Stafford, aims to complete the massive feat in just 13 hours.

John Percival, chairman of Gnosall and District Community First Responders, said: "All financial support for the group is met through local fundraising events.

"The majority of life saving equipment as well as the responder vehicle has been bought with generous contributions.

"We are extremely grateful to Steve for committing to take on this challenge."

The event comes less than a year after Steve raised more than £1,000 for the group after cycling the length of Britain.

Last July he completed the 1,042 mile trek from Lands End to John O'Groats in just 12 days – without a back-up team.

He said: "I enjoy raising money for the local responders group which does a huge amount for the community.

"But this Ironman Challenge – in the heat of Lanzarote – will be my greatest yet. I'm hoping the training I'm currently taking on will pay dividends in May."

As many as 1,500 amateur and professional athletes will take part.It is a qualifier for the World Ironman Competition.Community First Responders are groups of trained volunteers, dedicated to a specific area who, under the control of the ambulance service, are notified of medical emergencies in their area and agree to respond and provide emergency life support until the arrival of the ambulance service.

All equipment has to be purchased by the group through fundraising.For more information on the responders, visit www.gnosallcfrs.org.ukf