An outdoor instructor is pushing himself to the limits to complete an ultra-marathon in memory of his parents.

Action man Tim Treloar will be taking on the gruelling 250kilometre course through Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth in October.

The former Sidmouth College pupil is returning home in the run up to the challenge to use the Jurassic coastline in preparation for the ‘ultimate test of human endurance.’

Alongside his training, the 33-year-old hopes to raise £2,000 for Macmillian Cancer Support, as his mum Wilma and dad Dennis died after being diagnosed with different forms of cancer.

Tim praised the charity and its nurses who became ‘an extra family member’ during his time of need.

He added: “This is one way to thank the great support that Macmillan gave my parents.

“I have a few adventure expeditions on the go at any given time, but this is different, the level of commitment that is needed is higher due to it being a self-supported expedition.

“There are many risks in the desert, heat and dehydration are all well understood, but factor that with snakes and scorpions you really need to focus on every tread.”

Tim’s work as a professional outdoor instructor has seen him work as a safety co-ordinator for ITV and Channel 4.

Earlier this year he appeared in front of the camera to assist Bear Grylls in his new series Bear Grylls Survival School for ITV and CITV.

Every competitor is expected to be self sufficient for the whole race, with the average backpack weighing 20 pounds as they travel through the course in heat as high 26 degrees.

Tim said: “Its about running sensibly, in the early mornings about 5am to 9am, 10am and again in the evenings.”

Dukes, in Sidmouth, is supporting the adventurer on his expedition and will be collecting donations.

If you would like to donate to Tim’s fundraiser drop into Dukes or visit: