A runner is preparing to push himself to the limits to earn ‘Ironman’ status and raise money for two Devon causes.

Shaun Bagwell has headed out to Barcelona ahead of the competition on Sunday (October 6).

The Sidmouthian will have to complete a 2.4mile sea swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a marathon within 15hours 40 minutes to earn the title of Ironman. He has added to the challenge by trying to raise £2,500 to split between Charlotte's Army and the Yarty Ward at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Mr Bagwell, who lives in Exmouth with his partner Jennie and two-year-old son Freddie, has been training for nearly eight months juggling his electrical business and service as a retained firefighter.

The Sidmothian, who lived in Sidmouth for 37 years, said: "It's been quite tough, running my own business, the fire service as a retained fire fighter and running after a two-year-old. It's trying to find the time to get out on the road bike. I only started riding a road bike back in March.

"Getting off the bike after hours of riding to go and do the run. I've set myself the challenge to do it in 12 hours."

Charlotte's Army was started in support of Sidmouth teenager Charlotte Reid after she was diagnosed with a rare benign tumour.

Mr Bagwell, a member of Sidmouth Running Club, knows Charlotte's family and praised her 'amazing' work to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

He added he wanted to support the Yarty Ward after staff supported his dad while he was treated for leukaemia.

Mr Bagwell said: "The staff there did an incredible job, they were amazing. I wanted to buy the staff on Yarty Ward something for the staff room.

"I am going to ask them what they need, would they like a new sofa, a TV, something for the staff when they are on their break and have a long shift.

"I would like to raise £1,250 for each charity."

He has currently raised £1,740 of his target.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shaunbaggybagwellironmanchallange to donate to Shaun's challenge.