CHRIS Brady's inspiration to do IronmanUK was being told he would never be able to do any overly physical sport.

And his success sparked a whole team of local people to rise to the same challenge he did.

The 53-year-old bricklayer from Deane first did Ironman in Bolton five years ago.

He has done it every year since, making this is sixth in his home town, and he has done one elsewhere for good measure.

A couple of friends were inspired to join him after his first one, and since then Team Deane has been formed, of which 21 members will be taking on Sunday's ultimate triathlon challenge.

The father-of-five said: "I have very bad asthma and years ago the doctor told me I wouldn't be able to do anything too physical and would be sickly.

"I just thought to myself I've got to do it and I entered my first Ironman and enjoyed it.

"I didn't think I'd do it but I did and felt great about the accomplishment.

"Two of my friends came along and saw me doing it – Russell Brooks and Ben Hardman – and they started doing it with me.

"We did Lanzarote and then started Team Deane [triathlon club]. We now have about 60 members.

"I'm nothing special, I do it for the kids really. The biggest thing for me is getting the kids off the computers and doing something physical.

"We had 30 members do it last year and this year we have 21.

"There are less because the event is just so hard and because of the amount of time it takes.

"There are only 10 of the same ones from year and a brand new 10 who are doing it this year for the first time.

"I qualified as a coach last year and I have seven athletes who I train who are doing it this year, and then in December me and Russell Brooks are doing Australia Ironman."