Triathlete tackles five countries

Mr Bennett wanted to do something to "raise awareness" about the disease

A triathlete has run, swum and cycled 1,681 miles (2705km) across five countries for charity after his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Matthew Bennett, 33, from Rossett, near Wrexham, hopes to raise £250,000 for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

He swam the Strait of Gibraltar, cycled through France and Spain, and ran back home from London.

Mr Bennett's father, Martin, was diagnosed three years ago.

He started his journey on 1 May and his triathlon coincided with The Prostate Cancer Charity's first ever Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Mr Bennett's father, Martin, was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, and has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

His son said: "I was inspired to do something to raise awareness of the disease, which is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

"The disease could affect your partner, father, son, uncle, brother, cousin or friend."

He swam the Strait of Gibraltar in five hours and 28 minutes, then cycled through France and Spain, covering 120 miles (193km) each day.

He added: "I knew this challenge was going to be gruelling but I hadn't prepared myself for how hard it actually would be.

"The physical strain on my body was immense but the hardest part was how mentally exhausting the whole experience was."

Claire Walsh, of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "Matthew's once in a lifetime triathlon has certainly contributed to help raise awareness of prostate cancer."

Mr Bennett has been sponsored by local businesses including Bellis Brothers Farm Shop in Holt, near Wrexham, where he works as a manager.

His father's cancer is inoperable and he is now undergoing chemotherapy.