A BOLTON man is preparing to take part in the Ironman UK event next month in memory of his late mother-in-law.

Stewart Brierley will join thousands of others in swimming, cycling and running the 112-mile route around Bolton on July 14.

A keen triathlete who trains with Tri-Rivington, Mr Brierley last took part in the event back in 2015, and found it so difficult that he vowed to “never do it again”.

He said: “It is one of the toughest triathlons. If it was easy then everyone would do it.

“I found it gruelling and I said I would never do it again but circumstances change.”

Last July, Mr Brierley’s mother-in-law, Linda, lost her battle with cancer. Having spent the final days of her life in Bolton Hospice, Mr Brierley now wants to give something back in return for the care they provided her.

The DPD courier, who lives in Wardle Street, is currently training for between six and eight hours a week, but says that while he can prepare for the physical aspect of the run, he may struggle keeping his emotions in check.

“It is about a year since my mother-in-law died, so it going to be a tough day,” he said.

“I would be happy with anything under 15 hours, but the main aim is just to finish and raise some money for charity.”

Ahead of this year’s event, organisers announced a number of changes to the course.

The route will begin in Leigh but from Horwich it will take athletes east in a reversal of the previous version of the course, taking in Chorley New Road, Queen’s Park, Bury and Ramsbottom to complete the 112 miles. From there, competitors will continue north towards Helmshore and Blackburn, where athletes will enter the moorlands descending through Belmont.