A Cumbrian-born soldier in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment recalled his encounter with a roadside bomb as he prepares to take on a test of physical endurance in aid of the GNAAS.

Ian Norton, 32, is preparing for the Chester Triple Medal, and said it was his mother and a deep appreciation for emergency services that led him to pledge his support to the GNAAS.

During a routine patrol on one of his three tours of Afghanistan, Mr Norton and his team came into contact with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

“To be honest, I can’t really remember much about it,” said Mr Norton, father of two.

“The cab in the vehicle just got filled with dust and the first thing I thought of doing was to check myself over and open the door so I could breath.

“Luckily, no one was injured in that incident.

“I have seen brothers in arms injured on tours of duty, so I have seen first hand how these vital emergency services are needed.”

Although currently posted in Chester, Mr Norton grew up in Longtown and said he still has a deep connection to the area.

Mr Norton said it was his mother, Mary, currently suffering with cancer, who encouraged him to support the GNAAS.

“It would be horrendous if we lost it,” said Mr Norton.

“I spoke to my mum and I just wanted to do something for her. she wanted me to do the challenge for a more local charity.

“We looked into it and noticed that the GNAAS doesn’t get Government funding and is totally reliant on funds raised by the public.

“It’s a vital piece of kit for everyone in and around Cumbria. These guys are proper life-savers and they do an absolutely amazing job. We need to keep it going and raise as much as possible.”

The Chester Triple involves a 10k run on 18 July, followed by a half marathon on 19 September and a full marathon on 3 October.

This is not the first time Mr Norton has taken on a test of physical endurance, having done the Cambrian Patrol - A 65km course over rugged mountains and difficult terrain - in 2012.

He said: "I want to build myself up slowly and get there. I’m 0.5k off 10k at the moment and I have to meet the half marathon target in a couple of months."

Mr Norton has had a lot of support from friends and family and his wife, Stacey, has set up a JustGiving page that aims to raise £1000.

Help Ian to reach his fundraising target and visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-norton4.