A LANCASHIRE quartet will endure a gruelling “alternative” triathlon for charities close to their heart.

Eddie Whittle from Great Harwood, John McDonough from Read, Jonathan Smith from Great Eccleston, and Gareth Beard from Leyland will kayak the length of Lake Windermere, cycle to London, then run the London Marathon.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They will set off from Ambleside at 6.30am on Tuesday, April 21, before cycling 40 miles to Ingleton to start their six-day-long challenge.

Eddie, a 36-year-old NHS worker from Sawley Drive, said: “The reason we are doing this is to raise money for four amazing charities which have personal significance in my life: Macmillan Cancer Support, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Meningitis NOW, and Prostate Cancer UK.

“We have all seen the pain and suffering life can throw at us first hand, both with family members and also good friends.

“All have got through the tough times with the help of some amazing charities.

“Our aim is to say thank you and do our bit to give something back.”

In January 2006, Eddie’s father, John, lost a lengthy battle against cancer less than three years later, his grandfather also succumbed to the disease.

Eddie said: “The courage my dad showed in his battle, and determination and kindness shown by staff and nurses at Macmillan, made me determined to give something back and help others who are suffering from this terrible disease.”

In May 2008, Eddie lost his friend, Matt Wallbank, at 29 from sudden adult death syndrome after a wedding.

Eddie said: “After a good night we headed back to the hotel with our thoughts on the wedding and free bar the next day.

“When I awoke the next morning, Matthew was dead in the bed next to me.”

Money will also be raised to help protect youngsters from meningitis after Eddie’s niece was diagnosed with meningitis and septicaemia. Thankfully her parents rushed her to hospital in time. To donate, visit www.madness4charity.co.uk