A TEENAGER will be celebrating his 18th birthday by competing in his first Ironman UK in aid of homeless young people.

Jordan Stanworth, of Smethurst Lane, will undertake the gruelling challenge on Sunday, July 16, after months of training.

He has so far raised £1,800 for Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme (BYPHS), which is run by family friend Maura Jackson.

The 17-year-old, who attends the Bolton Wanderers Free School, said: “It is not the usual thing to do for an 18th birthday but I am pretty excited by it. I don’t know how many other 18-year-olds will be there so I could be one of the youngest.

“I don’t think there would be many that do it on their birthday.”

He added: “I like a challenge so I thought I would just go for it. I have watched it for the two previous events and there was such an amazing atmosphere.”

Jordan has been an active cyclist since he was aged 14 and he joined Team Deane Tri Club to get some help with his training.

He usually trains six days a week with a mixture of indoor and outdoor swimming, running and cycling.

Mrs Jackson, chief executive of the BYPHS, said she was delighted that Jordan had selected her organisation as his chosen charity.

She added: “The fact he is young himself is inspiring as what he is doing will support disadvantaged young people who are homeless locally. I think also since the event is actually on his 18th birthday makes it even more special since he is choosing to do something for others on that day rather than himself, and it’s not just the day ether it’s the months of training.

“I am so incredibly grateful.”

To sponsor Jordan’s Ironman effort, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Jordan-Stanworth