JUST a few months away from his half-century, David Wright is leaping in at the deep end for his first Ironman event.

At the age of 49 David decided to take the plunge despite not being an especially strong swimmer – or owning a suitable bike.

But having saved a man's life when he took part in a gruelling charity adventure in Africa he is hoping the Bolton Ironman will prove far less hazardous.

Ten years ago chartered surveyor David was raising money for Action Aid by taking part in Mission Malawi, a 10-day adventure involving a 300-mile cycle, a 3,000-metre climb up Mount Mulanje and crossing Lake Malawi in a kayak, when a support vehicle was being dragged by fast-flowing water and was yards from a huge waterfall.

David and a colleague dragged the driver out of his jeep and to the safety of dry land.

While the memories of that adventure remain David is hoping for a far smoother time of it when he takes to the course on July 17.

"There shouldn't be anything that dangerous so I think we should be OK with this one," he said. "I've done a few long runs before but nothing like this.

"When I decided to sign up to do it last September I didn't even own a road bike, I haven't since I was a teenager.

"Swimming was a bit of a worry too, I thought I was reasonable but looking back I could probably do about 10 lengths so that was something I had to address.

"I joined Rivington Tri Club after a parkrunner recommended I come along. I was a bit apprehensive but they made me very welcome and I would say I can swim enough to get me through the Ironman – I hope so, anyway.

"I have worked out I have got through 1,636 miles on my bike, swum 101 miles and run for 287 miles."

And should David start to flag at any stage he knows he will have his biggest supporters cheering him on.

His daughter Olivia and son Oscar are the ones who persuaded him to sign up and raise money for a cause close to the Wrights' hearts, the Hypermobility Syndromes Association. With the help of his employers and kit providers, Valunation Chartered Surveyors, he has already raised more than £1,300.

Five-year-old Oscar suffers from the condition, a disorder that, although not commonly known, has a massive effect on connective tissue and his motor skills.

"Oscar's motor skills have a slight delay and his writing and speech can be affected, he can lose them temporarily, and when he walks or runs it is easy for him to trip himself up," revealed David. "He suffers from aching joints too, and he has to use up more energy just to get about.

"Some other people with hypermobility just cannot do anything and it isn't something that a lot of people are aware of. To be honest I didn't know what it was when the doctors told us Oscar had it.

"He will be doing the Iron Kids event the day before – he will finish last, we know that, but he won't mind one bit."

If you would like to make a donation, visit justgiving.com/The-David-Wright