A FORMER soldier and athlete is undertaking a nation wide triathlon challenge in memory of two comrades. 

Former Royal Marine Commando and RAF Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Frankie Tinsley is taking on the challenge which is seeing him conquer the largest peaks and swimming the longest lakes in England, Scotland and Wales.

The challenge was designed by Frankie and will be done in memory of RAF personnel Andrew Shepherd and Andrew Morris who took their own lives.

125 people in the UK take their own lives every week and 75% of all UK suicides are males.

The Talisman Triathlon will take place over 14 days, and includes several events around Cumbria.

Frankie has already swam Lakes Windermere and cycled from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

He also visited the Andrew Morris’s memorial Bench on the first day of the challenge, who Frankie was planning a charity event with before his death.

Frankie said: “I have never completed a Triathlon, and no one has yet to establish a Triathlon across Britain’s longest lakes and highest mountains; in all respects, I am an underdog, taking on something that has never been done before.

“The Talisman Triathlon, over 14 days, built on the background stories of Andy and Andy, will present a narrative surrounding Physical and Mental health.

“I hope that others will join me on this journey to add even greater depth to this conversation.

“I will travel from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. I will visit Andrew Morris’s memorial Bench on the first day of the challenge.

“Toward the end of my Journey, I will pass Ballachulish, where Andrew Shepherd chose to pass.”

For information visitthrudark.com/talisman-ultimate-triathlon/.