AMBLESIDE GP Dr Paul Davies is to tackle his first iron-distance triathlon to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston.

Paul, 50, who works for the Central Lakes Medical Group, will be among 200 competitors in Triathlon X, the world’s toughest extreme event, on June 25 starting at YHA Ambleside.

And he has been training with Ambleside fitness instructor Ursula Brendling who is also doing her first triathlon to mark her 50th birthday.

Paul is a keen athlete who has previously completed shorter distance triathlons at Wasdale and Buttermere.

“I chose to fundraise for our South Lakes hospice because as a GP I know what valuable work they do," he said.

Paul said that he was looking forward to the race for many reasons.

“Swimming in Windermere at dawn will be beautiful. Then the Fred Whitton cycling route is iconic and spectacular, particularly going over Kirkstone, Honister , Hard Knott and Wrynose passes. And I love the Great Langdale valley and what better route than scaling Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.”

He said that the challenge would be physically and psychologically fascinating: “I feel it will be a way of fundraising for such a good cause , while celebrating and being mindful of this beautiful place, by being literally fully immersed in it over a long and challenging day.”

People can donate at Ambleside Health Centre or Hawkshead Surgery where there are donation boxes, or by donating on-line via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-davies94. Ursula’s fundraising can be accessed at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ursulabrendling1#.Vzxb1s4tWHE.facebook