Grandfather Lionel raises £5,000 after intense sporting challenge
He originally had humble plans to raise £650 for charity.
But Tettenhall grandfather Lionel Spittle ended up with a staggering £5,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity after completing a gruelling sporting challenge.
The sporty 64-year-old swam 65 lengths, ran 65 stadium laps, and cycled 65 miles all in one day back in July, and just last week proudly presented a cheque to overjoyed staff at the charity.
He arranged the challenge in memory of his wife of 38 years Linda, who died after battling a brain tumour for 13 months. The challenge was themed around 65 due to his 65th birthday approaching on August 14.
Lionel said: "I'm over the moon. It's absolutely incredible and it's all just been so amazing.
"I'm overwhelmed really. To think I just came up with raising £650 and now I've got £5,000."
The retired sales manager is no stranger to regular activity. In the past he has competed in nine marathons and three Iron Man Triathlons - a challenge which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon - a 26.22-mile run - raced without a break.
He is also a part time lifeguard at Central Baths in Wolverhampton.
On July 1 Lionel started his challenge swimming 65 lengths - just less than a mile - at Central Baths, cycling 65 miles through the Staffordshire countryside, and then finishing by running 65 laps of Aldersley Stadium - just more than 16 miles.
He had plans to complete it all in less than six and a half hours, but said it took a bit longer than he hoped.
But he was overwhelmed by all the help and support he received, with friends and family running, swimming and cycling alongside him.
He added: "Despite it being quite a challenge I still enjoyed it. The heat made it harder, but I was determined to finish."
And he doesn't plan to rest anytime soon, with a half marathon and 10km swim lined up for the next few months.
Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LIONEL.SPITTLE to donate to his page.
