A SIBLE Hedingham runner is aiming to complete a triathlon in one day to raise money for owls and birds of prey.
Stephen Metson, is currently training for the Iron Man challenge in Italy, which will comprise a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon on Saturday, September 19.
He started running in 2018 after wanting to get fit, beginning with five and 10-kilometre-runs before advancing to marathons.
Stephen chose to support Gestingthorpe-based charity Owls and Birds of Prey Rescue Suffolk and Essex, after becoming more aware of wildlife while running.
He is hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity.
He has known Stephanie Callister-Jarrold, who runs the charity, for more than 12 years and admires the work she does with injured and orphaned owls and birds of prey, with the aim of getting them back into the wild.
Stephanie rescues more than 130 birds each year while also spending much of her time fundraising for the money needed to pay for their care.
The money raised from Stephen's Iron Man challenge will be put towards rebuilding Stephanie's flight aviary where the birds spend time to ensure their flight muscles are fully developed.
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This is to ensure they are in the best possible condition to be released back into the wild.
A spokesperson for the Owls and Birds of Prey Rescue said: "Any support for Stephen in this brave new venture would be most gratefully received."
To sponsor Stephen for his Iron Man challenge visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/owls-and-birds-of-prey-rescue
