A MAN from Wembley is to compete in one of the world's toughest sporting challenges to raise cash for a local hospice.

Former Liberal Democrat councillor for Brent and local campaigner Peter Corcoran is raising money for St Luke's Hospice in Pinner, which serves residents in Harrow and Brent, by undertaking a gruelling ultra distance triathlon, Challenge Barcelona.

Mr Corcoran will have to swim an eye-watering 3,800 metres before enduring a 112-mile cycle ride, and then a full 26-mile marathon. He can expect to be on the go for 17 hours in temperatures in excess of 25ºC.

He said: "I expect the 17-hour, 226km event to be the toughest challenge of my life to date.

"I watched it from the sideline last year and the heat and piercing sun was unrelenting. I was gob-smacked that it could be so hot in Spain in October.

"My race strategy will see me go dangerously close to disqualification in the late afternoon and pick the tempo up on the run-up to midnight; fingers crossed.

"The last time I attempted something similar to this I ended up in hospital, but I'm confident I can get through this and raise as much as I can for a very worthy cause."

St Luke's Hospice, in Rayners Lane, is an independent charity that relies heavily on voluntary contributions from the community.

Councillor Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Brent, has praised his former colleague's efforts. He said: "St Luke's is a great local charity and it is really great to see someone doing something so impressive to raise money for them.

"We really wish Peter all the best and encourage him to remember to drink plenty of water."

* To sponsor Mr Corcoran, visit www.justgiving.com/stlukeshab/Donate or send cheques made payable to St Luke's Hospice to Peter Corcoran, 53 Mostyn Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8AY.