Barry Rimmer from Ashton Dental Practice in Wigan completed a gruelling Ironman endurance event in July.

The event involved a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride then a 26.2 mile marathon. To challenge himself further, Mr Rimmer wore only thin 'Five Fingers' trainers on his feet. He raised close to £5,000 to go towards funding for schools and vital equipment for a village in Zambia.

'I completed [the challenge] in 12 hours 42 minutes,' said Mr Rimmer, who could barely swim eight months ago. Ashton Dental Practice, where he has worked for 23 years, regularly holds fundraising events to raise money for Zambia.