Fareham veteran will complete triathlon to mark Battle of Jutland

John, from Fareham, has already raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion after completing triathlons in 2014 and 2015.

This year he aims to swim 1,916m, cycle 32km and run 11km, starting with the swim, which represents the year 1916, at Fareham Leisure Centre.

John, who will be 70 at the time of the challenge in May, says: ‘It’s my way of doing something for charity and giving something back.

‘It’s a different way of sharing a bit of remembrance. It’s going to be hard but I still try and keep myself fit.’

John will complete the rest of the challenge at home. The ex-Royal Navy Physical Training Instructor will then be attending a remembrance service at the Daedalus War Memorial in Gosport on June 1.

Last year John raised £1,506 for tackling a challenge over several months and is looking to raise more this time.

John’s first challenge was in 2014 in memory of the start of the First World War and he said he’d like to complete one for each year of the war.

He adds: ‘If I could complete one through to 2018 that would really mean something.’

May 31 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Jutland where 6,000 British sailors died. The battle ended on June 1, 1916.