A BRENT councillor completed one of the world's toughest ironman challenges for charity this month, despite suffering a host of injuries on the mammoth race.

Peter Corcoran, a Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Tokyngton, endured a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 22km run in the Monaco Ironman Challenge to raise cash for St Luke's Hospice.

And even though his bid to complete the gruelling contest was nearly derailed by a punctured tyre, he crossed the line after eight hours, 46 minutes and 50 seconds.

Two-and-a-half hours into the iron-man, Mr Corcoran was descending the notorious 'Col de Guerre', towards the village of La Grave when his front wheel blew out on a bend.

Forced to brake sharply he went over the handle bars and landed chest first on the sharp side of the crash barrier, before rolling down the embankment and falling on to rocks.

He sustained 11 injuries on the fall, the most serious being a 14-inch wound to the chest and a bone-deep hole in his arm.

Amazingly, he was able to patch himself up with his first aid and a kit from another competitor, fixed the puncture on the bike and managed to carry on.

Having completed what is often referred to as the Formula One of triathlons, he had just enough time to pick up his medal before being rushed to hospital.

Speaking after the race, which took place on September 6, the fighting-fit councillor said: "The staff at the hospital were fantastic and really friendly, luckily the hospital has a world-class reputation for mending Formula One racing drivers when their limbs fall off.

"The mountain climbs were massive and relentless, especially in 32 degree heat.

"It was a massively tough challenge that seemed to take its toll on many competitors, but it was very interesting to see the professional athletes and Olympic teams from all over the world.

"Although it was really hard going, I knew that I was doing this for a great reason.

"I really enjoyed raising money for St Luke's Hospice and I'm sure the money we raise will go to great use. It was definitely the most remarkable day of my life."