Billy Monger 'feeling ready' for Ironman challenge

Broadcaster and former racing driver Billy Monger has said he is ready for an extreme challenge that will raise money for Comic Relief.

The 25-year-old from Charlwood, Surrey, is trying to break the record for the fastest double amputee to complete the annual Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Mr Monger told BBC South East he has been training for 10 to 20 hours a week to prepare for next month's event.

He said: "You could say I'm feeling ready for it, but equally nothing can prepare me for what I'm going to face out in Hawaii."

Mr Monger was in Weymouth on Sunday taking part in another Ironman race, having recently returned from a trip to Paris for the Paralympics where he was working in his media role.

He faces a 3.8km ocean swim, followed by a 180km coastal cycle and a marathon in Hawaii.

"It's seen as being the hardest one-day endurance event in the world," he said.

"It rivals the likes of trying to climb Mount Everest. It's a hell of a challenge."

Mr Monger raised more than £3m for Comic Relief in 2021 by walking, cycling and kayaking across England over four days.

He had both legs amputated after a near-fatal crash in 2017.

"Even though I had this accident... I don't want to it to dictate or define what I am able to achieve," Mr Monger said.

"I feel in such great shape."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.