Danny Quigley, of DQ Fitness in Newtowncunningham is taking part in a ten-day Ironman challenge starting today (Friday) to raise money for Pieta house and Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum in memory of his father Colin, who died by suicide ten years ago in March.

Danny decided this was the best way to remember his father as he says he inherited his passion for fitness from his father who himself was an accomplished triathlete and passionate sportsman.

An Ironman is a triathlon that consists of a 2.4 mile swim (3.9K), 112 mile bike ride (180.2K), and a 26.2 mile run (42.2K) and Danny aims to do one every day for ten days starting from tomorrow Friday August 20.

Danny, who is a father of two, is hoping to promote suicide awareness and has so far raised almost £10,000 on his Go Fund Me page with donations still coming in.

Since announcing the challenge, Danny has been training intensely and he got a taste for the challenge in July when he completed his first ever Ironman in aid of the Sunshine Foundation in Romania.

Looking at the plan for the challenge, Danny will have a full team of help including physios and supporters with him over the course of the ten days and will complete the challenge around Derry and Donegal including cycling to Inch and running the cycle lane from Derry to Carrigans.

Speaking ahead of the ambitious challenge, Danny said, “I know this is going to be a difficult task but one that I feel ready for and that I am really determined to do.

“I have been blown away with the support so far and want to say a big thanks to everyone who has donated or plans to donate.

“It’s a cause that is close to my heart and I know that every little helps these two wonderful organisations – PIETA House and the Bogside Brandywell Health Forum,” said Danny.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/DannyQuigley10