As some of you may know, in a desperate bid to reclaim my youth (and waist line), I recently completed the Blenheim Triathlon. Don’t ask how long it took – the important thing is that I survived (mind you so did Pippa Middleton).  Anyway, as part of this ongoing mid life crisis, I am taking on a series of challenges over the coming months. So far I have lined up:

·         Hampton Court Thames Swim (17 July) – 3.65 km swim down the Thames river between Hampton Court and Kingston upon Thames. That's a bloody long way (!) - but actually, I am more worried about what I might find in there. UPDATE: swam it in 1:01:57.  286 out of nearly 2,000 ain't too bad for an old boy. Water very clean - so no case of Thames Tummy. Thanks for the support.

·         London to Cambridge cycle ride (24 July) - which I am doing with 3 mates and to make it more demanding we have agreed not to stop at any of the pubs along the way. UPDATE: completed the 60 miles in 3.5 hours despite 3 punctures - unfortunately none of them right outside a pub.

·        Cross Solent Swim

(8 September) - swimming from Hurst Castle on the mainland to Colwel Bay on the Isle of Wight

·        Hever Castle Triathlon (25 September)

As I will be pushing my creaking carcass to breaking point I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise some money for some fantastic causes. The funds will go to the Hilton in the Community Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and young people. With active support from Hilton Worldwide, the Foundation makes grants to numerous charities for projects benefiting sick, disabled and underprivileged children. In particular, I will be asking the Foundation to direct the funds I raise to the following charities:

·         SANDS – who support anyone affected by the death of a baby and fund research to help reduce this tragedy

·         BRAINWAVE - who focus on cerebral palsy, autism and development delay in children

·         TEENAGE CANCER TRUST – who support specialist units that are designed to give teenagers diagnosed with cancer the very best chance of a positive outcome.

Some of the funds will also go to the West Wight Sports Centre - the charity organising the cross Solent swim.

So please dig deep if you able to support these great causes. Alternatively, dig deep if you just have a thing for middle aged men in head-to-toe neoprene, lycra or spandex!

Donating through page is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money (and any eligible Gift Aid donation if you are a UK tax payer) directly to the Hilton Foundation for onward distribution to the three charities I have chosen. It’s the most efficient way to donate and your details are safe with JustGiving.

Thanks for your support.