At 6am on 7th September, 2008 I'll be in the grounds of Sherborne Castle in lovely Dorset, about to subject myself to one of the most extreme endurance events in the world!

I am entering the 2008 UK Ironman which involves a 2.4 mile swim (further than I've ever swum in one go), a 112 mile bike ride (further than I've ever cycled in one go), and finished off with a 26.2 mile run (or a marathon as it is otherwise known  - and would you believe further than I've ever run in one go!)

And I need to do it all in less than 17 hours or I miss the cut off point and I cannot call myself an Ironman.

I am entering this fully aware that it is completely ridiculous, and there is a fair chance that it will be one of the most miserable experiences of my life.

But do it I shall!

And since I think this will be a fairly hefty achievement I'm going to raise as much money as I possibly can, and I'm afraid that at this point it's over to you - if you think what I'm doing is in any way worth anything then please give generously to this wonderful cause - Rainforest Concern do wonderful work, and surely this stupid attempt to kill myself is worth something! :-)

No matter how much you give it shall be gratefully received. I really do feel passionate about what these guys do and i can promise that it will be well spent!

Also I'll be running various fundraising events over the course of the year, so if you're interested in coming along to a casino night, pro evolution soccer tournament, or God knows what else I'll come up with, then please get in touch and I'll keep you up to date (iain@iaintrotter.co.uk)

Oh, and I can use all the support I can get in both September and in the Lisbon half Ironman I'm doing at the end of April, so if you fancy coming along to cheer me on (while sitting in a cafe and drinking wine) then please let me know. I would be incredibly grateful!!!

Sincere thanks
Iain