Man prepares to take on 'hardest triathlon in world'

A dad-of-two is preparing to take on the "hardest triathlon in the world" from London to Paris.

Paul Robinson will run 87 miles (140km) from London to Dover, swim across the English Channel and then cycle 181 miles (291km) from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as part for the Enduroman triathlon.

The 40-year-old will embark on the challenge on 7 September without a wetsuit - a feat the organisers say has only ever been achieved by six people.

He will complete the triathlon in aid of Sam Perkins' Fifity50 Motor Neurone Disease (MND) campaign.

Mr Robinson, who is originally from Yorkshire and now lives in Risley in Derbyshire, said he was inspired to raise funds for the charity by former Leeds Rhinos rugby player Rob Burrow, who died in June after being diagnosed with MND in 2019.

Organisers of the Enduroman, which has only ever been completed by 58 people, describe it as the "hardest triathlon in the world".

Mr Robinson is training for the event with regular swims at Spring Lakes in Long Eaton and consuming 6,600 calories a day.

“I’ve taken part in triathlons since I was nine years old and I’ve swam the English Channel three times," Mr Robinson told BBC Radio Derby.

“It’s a 48-week training program for this triathlon, the longest I've ever done in my life.

“I'm aiming to complete it in 70 hours, which is around three days to reach Paris."

Mr Perkins, from East Leake, Nottinghamshire, was 37 when he was diagnosed with MND in March 2019.

The former triathlete has raised more than £270,000 since he set up his charity Stand Against MND.

On Mr Robinson's upcoming challenge, Mr Perkins said: “I’ve done my fair share of triathlons but this does not even compare.

"It’s vital that we fund more research into MND, which is why I’m so grateful to Paul and everyone who has signed up for my Fifty50 campaign.

"I hope people are inspired by Paul’s efforts and give generously. It will really help him get over that finishing line to know that he is helping raise money for this important cause.”

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.