A PROPERTY developer from Tibberton has completed a gruelling Ironman challenge in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

Tom Forrester, aged 34, went to Exmoor, in Devon, where he finished a 1.2 mile lake swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile half marathon in 6 hours and 26 minutes.

Tom hopes to raise more than £700 for St Richard's Hospice in Worcester as a thank you for their care of his mother-in-law Lin Dayus before her death last year.

"The course was brutal with hills that made your eyes water," said Tom.

"I would like to thank everybody who has donated and pledged their support and encouragement. It has been a major factor in helping me through what has been my toughest physical challenge to date. I also have to thank my wife, Helen, for putting up with what has been a relentless training programme for the last five months."

Tom added: "I am very proud of this achievement, but know it could only have been accomplished with the inspiration of Lin, who I know would also be very proud."

St Richard's community fundraiser Alison Weston said: "It's a fantastic achievement of Tom's. He trained hard and deserved to do so well and we are very grateful for all the support he is giving St Richard's."

St Richard's is based in Worcester and offers free services including a day hospice, home care team and a bereavement and counselling service. St Richard's has 70 staff and 600 volunteers, many of whom are specially trained to care for patients.

Last year more than 1,550 patients and families received support from the St Richard's team.