AFTER completing the Rossendale triathlon for the last four years, the ironmen and women of Thornleigh Salesian College are preparing for their next even more gruelling challenge.

Next month, two staff teams have entered the Snowdonia Challenge.

Known as the Race the Sun, staff, in their teams of four are challenge to cycle 40 miles, climb Snowdon and canoe Llyn Gwynant in aid of charity Regain, which supports me and women who have been paralysed in sporting accidents.

Sponsors include Decathlon, as Andy Barker, the manager of Decathlon, is a former Thornleigh Salesian College pupil.

A total of eight members of staff have been taking part, and say it is one of the hardest challenges they have faced.

Maria Crosby, who has organised the challenge, said: "Training is going quite well for most of us.

"We have been meeting as a group cycling, running and circuit training whenever we can.

"I have been trying my best to cycle into school three times a week, running on the fells and also went over Snowdon three weeks ago.

"This was a real challenge as there was still snow on the top!

"However, sometimes you need to remember why we are doing this and who we are helping.

"I have been motivated as I know I will be making a difference to the lives of some people who are less fortunate than us."

Team member Tonino Passerello, director of Thornleigh Salesian College's Sixth form who is competing in one of the teams, added: “This is the biggest sporting challenge I have undertaken with the Regain charity being my motivation.

"Training has been hard but I am looking forward to the event and competing with my fellow team members.

"I have received lots of generous sponsorship donations and my family are coming to support me on the day. Good luck to all my colleagues at Thornleigh and I will see you at the top of Snowdon."

The team is aiming to raise £4,000 for the charity, which the school has supported over the years.