SUPER-FIT businessman Gary Billington flourished in France when he took part in a massive athletic challenge.

Gary, managing director of Eco-Readymix based in Ruabon, took part in an Iron Man competition in Nice after being inspired by young stroke survivor Daisy Pritchard.

The event featured three categories, each one designed to test stamina to the maximum.

Contenders had to swim 2.4 miles, get on their bikes to cycle 112 miles and then run a 26-mile marathon.

Gary took it all in his stride and managed to complete the entire course in a time of 14 hours 46 minutes.

His achievement is all the more remarkable given that determined Gary had to learn to swim before taking part in the contest. He started lessons in October last year.

Gary used the event to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospice and Ronald McDonald House, an accommodation centre for families with children being treated at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool.

Eco-Readymix is currently running a campaign, People B4 Profit which involves donating 100 per cent of its profits to Hope House and Ronald McDonald House over the course of the current financial year.

Gary said he embarked on the charity fundraiser after meeting three-year-old Daisy, from Penycae. Daisy survived a stroke when she was just 21 months old.

He said: “Her smile, love of life and battle to overcome her disability, even at the tender age of three is humbling to everyone she meets.”

Daisy’s mum and dad, Eileen and David, thanked Gary for his efforts.

Eileen said: “He is amazing and we hope that he has enjoyed the experience.
“As well as the fundraising he will have raised awareness of childhood strokes too
and we are very proud of him.”