THREE fearless friends took on an epic challenge in the Lake District to raise over £5,000 between three good causes.

Miles Wilson, Evan Bolle-Jones and Jack Pooley – who all met at St Aidan’s College Boat Club whilst studying at Durham University – took part in an event they dubbed the ‘irowman’ in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), mental health charity Mind and the Fix the Fells campaign.

The gruelling event saw the team row 17km across the length of Lake Windermere, cycle 184km around the Lake District and then run a marathon, all back-to-back over one day on Saturday September 12.

Mr Wilson, aged 27 – a researcher in Durham University’s Department of Earth Sciences - the BHF is a cause particularly close to his heart.

He said: “My mother had a heart attack when she was 58 and was luckily able to identify the symptoms before receiving treatment in hospital, thanks to that treatment, she is alive today."

“My partner is also living with sick sinus syndrome, which caused her heart to stop beating and led to multiple cardiac arrests. She has since been fitted with a pacemaker, which helps to keep her heart beating.

“I know first-hand the impact heart and circulatory conditions can have, so I’m pleased that part of the money we have raised will support the BHF’s life saving research into these diseases.”

To donate, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/IROWMAN