A Carlisle firefighter is preparing to undertake an epic challenge to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Richie Hinson is preparing to take on a triathlon which is made up of a 21-mile swim, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and running the coast to coast.

As well as the triathlon, Richie is inviting members of the public to join him in running four miles, every hour for 24 hours in Rickerby Park.

Over the last few years, Richie has been building up my endurance base has been taking on bigger and longer challenges to challenge his physical and mental limits.

He has represented Team UK and England in ultra running events, completed 200 miles in a 1-mile-long Tunnel, has completed in Ironman and represented GB age groups in triathlon.

But for Richie, this event, which he has entitled ‘Miles of Memories’, has a particular meaning.

“I watched my nan pass away with Alzheimer’s a number of years ago and I saw her lose her key memories,” said Richie.

 “The whole experience made me want to make more of my own memories and create more positive and happy memories.

“'Miles of memories' is about helping people to make as many memories as possible, it's about encouraging people to push the boundaries and gain experiences that they won't forget and ultimately taking on a challenge that I'll never forget.”

The 21-mile swim, which is the length of the English Channel, will take place in Haltwhistle pool on Monday, September 2 from 6.30am.

Richie will then be heading down to Land's End to join the Ride Across Britain event to ride up to John 'O' Groats, covering the 980 miles in 9 days.

Then he will be heading down to West Cumbria to start running Coast to Coast on Monday, September 16, coming over to Carlisle and then using 'The Wall' route through to Newcastle to finish off in Tynemouth, which will be around 120 miles.

In preparation for his epic triathlon, Richie will be running a 24 hour Back yard style run which involves completing a 4.16-mile loop in an hour, with the next loop starting on the hour, completing 100 miles on total.

He will be starting and finishing up at the suspension bridge in Rickerby park and will begin at 6pm on Friday, June 28.

Richie has invited people to come and join him for as much as they like.

“Running through the night is something that people don't always experience before big races and it can be a tough few hours in any event waiting for the sunlight to come back, so this could be a good opportunity to try it out,” said Richie.

“It would also be good for anyone wanting a long training run and a good lesson in pacing.

“I will be sharing my experience with anyone who comes down to join me and happy to answer questions and give advice where I can along the way.”

Richie has already raised £700 for the Alzheimer's Society and is hoping to raise £2,400.

Anybody wishing to donated can do so via his Just Giving page.