MONROSS Trailblazer Sam Weale has joined an elite group of 63 extreme athletes who have completed the 290-mile Arch to Arc challenge, raising nearly £25,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK through his extraordinary efforts.

Billed as 'The World's Toughest Triathlon', the Enduroman event saw him run 87 miles from London’s Marble Arch to Dover, swim 22 miles across the English Channel and cycle 181 miles to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The 44-year-old from Monmouth was rasing money to help Will Taylor, 15, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and is the son of a friend who supported him on his Lake Windermere swim two years ago,

Sam took 20 hours 11 minutes for the run, 12.09 for the swim to Calais, and 16.23 for the ride.

He told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "It was always going to be a personal goal, but having met Will and the Taylors, I thought I need to do this for a charity...

"I didn't imagine we'd get anywhere near the total we've got. I put out a very distant dream goal of £10k, but it's just amazing to get what we have."

Sam posted: “Well, this whole few days has been like a dream. From finishing the hardest official point to point triathlon in the world to witnessing my friends, family , associates and supporters and sponsors help us raise nearly £25,000 including gift aid doesn’t feel real!

“All I can say is thank you again so much. The money will make a difference, I can guarantee it. I will catch up with as many of you as possible, but if I don’t, please rest assured that you have helped to make this whole thing worth it.”

Trailblazers added: “Absolute legend. An incredible feat of grit, determination and endurance. Huge congratulations. Sam, you’re an inspiration!”

To support Sam’s fundraising, go to www.justgiving.com/page/sam-weale-1