SOUTH Cheshire Harrier Chris Pattinson is to take his physical challenges to the next level this Sunday as he undertakes a gruelling Ironman challenge.

Chris, 30, from Nantwich, is taking on the challenge for Wirral-based cerebral palsy charity, Stick ‘n’ Step, which provides specialist conductive education and support services to children with cerebral palsy across the north west.

Chris will tackle a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run at an event which takes place on the Dorset coastline and is expected to take Chris 12 hours to complete.

Chris was inspired to take on the challenge after being inspired by his nephew, Jonty, who has cerebral palsy.

Doctors told Jonty it was unlikely he would ever walk, but after two years of sessions with Stick ‘n’ Step he was able to take his first steps and has never looked back.

Now 15, Jonty plays for the cerebral palsy England football team.

Chris has been in training for the event for 12 months and has raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

He hopes to raise £4,000 by the time he crosses the finishing line on Sunday evening, which would pay for a child to attend Stick ‘n’ Step for 12 months.

Chris estimates he has swam more than 170,000 metres, cycled 5,000 miles and ran 1,250 miles – on average he has trained between 10 and 15 hours per week.

Chris said: “I’m feeling a mixture of nerves, excitement and emotion ahead of the Ironman.

“Twelve months of tough training in the water, on the bike and running around the roads of Cheshire will hopefully pay off.”

“Throughout the challenge I will try to remember the difference that the money raised will have on so many children and their families.

“My challenge is nothing compared to what many children with cerebral palsy face each day.

“Stick ‘n’ Step helped transform my nephew’s life, and if my challenge can go some way in helping them to continue changing lives I’ll cross the finish line a happy man.”

Donate to Chris’ cause and help to support Stick ‘n’ Step at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Roadtoweymouth