A dad-of-two who served in the armed forces found himself heavily drinking after switching careers to the NHS and working throughout lockdown.

George Kirkham, from Lowton, became an anesthetic practitioner in 2018 after serving in the British Army for 12 years, previously operating as a soldier, medic, and later in the parachute regiment.

Working in the NHS throughout the pandemic, George said his drinking "increased heavily" due to the stress of work and being housebound after his shift.

The Bolton News: The dad-of-two committed to the Bolton half-Iron man after struggling during covidThe dad-of-two committed to the Bolton half-Iron man after struggling during covid (Image: George Kirkham)

Trying to find a way to get out of his slump, the 34-year-old found the Bolton half-Ironman triathlon online, and despite feeling a little overweight, decided to "go for it and sign up".

Following the thrill of competing in the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile cycle, and 13-mile run in September 2021, George said he wanted to go "bigger and better" with his races.

In the past 18 months, this has seen the NHS worker compete in 13 triathlons, one Iron Man race, two half-Ironman races, three half marathons, and the Liverpool marathon.

The Bolton News: George has completed a host of extreme races after struggling during the pandemicGeorge has completed a host of extreme races after struggling during the pandemic (Image: George Kirkham)

Starting his day at around 5am every day to train before work, George has committed to 20 races in 2023.

Qualifying for the British Triathlon team with his friend and colleague Sean Grimshaw, his next races will include the Pontevedra World Triathlon Championships, Barcelona Iron Man, and Norseman triathlon.

Dubbed the "holy grail" of triathlons, George is one of only 240 competitors who will race through the Norweigan mountains at the Norseman next August.

The Bolton News: George has planned 20 races to compete in 2023George has planned 20 races to compete in 2023 (Image: George Kirkham)

Speaking about his ambitious set of races next year, George said: "It is a bit nerve-wracking, but I've put a lot of hard work in to be able to compete.

"I'm currently in a winter training camp in Spain to make sure I keep in shape, but I would advise this type of training and competing to anyone.

"My mental health has never been better and I feel great."

The Bolton News: George said his wife his his biggest cheerleader throughout his extreme trainingGeorge said his wife his his biggest cheerleader throughout his extreme training (Image: George Kirkham)

Adding that his wife is his "biggest cheerleader" to support him throughout his extreme training, George raised money for the mental health charity, Mind, in his previous races.

As a friend's son has been receiving treatment at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, George and Sean will be raising money for the children's charity next year, as well as a soon-to-be-chosen veteran's charity.

To follow George and Sean's training for their 2023 triathlons, you can follow their Instagram page here.