DESPITE never having swum in the sea before, a father-of-one from Erwood took on the challenge of an Ironman to raise money for a charity that helped his daughter.
Andrew Davies, of Llanddewi Fach, Erwood, took on the sixth annual Ironman Wales to raise money for Diabetes Research, alongside good friend and former Welsh international and Llanelli prop John Davies.
Despite the leaking and filthy goggles, electrician Mr Davies said mind over matter prevailed and he emerged from the water in just over one hour, 12 minutes after the overall winner and professional triathlete Marc Duelson.
The electrician covered more than 140 miles of Pembrokeshire countryside, completing the gruelling challenge in 16 hours, 32 minutes and 53 seconds in the summer to raise money for Diabetes Research.
"My daughter Megan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six," said the 45-year-old.
"I’ve taken part a various events over the years, including the Coast to Coast and Lands End to John O’Groats for the Stroke Association and for Huntington’s Disease. But my daughter pointed out that I had never taken on a challenge to raise money for Diabetes Research.
"Even though I have never attempted an Ironman before, I thought why not."
The sixth Ironman Wales in Tenby saw more than 1,700 athletes, professional and amateur, take on the sea and land.
With help from Brecon Triathlon Club, Andrew was put through his paces by highly-acclaimed triathlon coach Kylie Mansfield.
Andrew entered the water after rugby professional Mr Davies. The friends caught up with each other during the run to finish within minutes of each other.
"John helped motivate me, when I was feeling the pain towards the end of the run," he admitted. "But we crossed the line within minutes of each other and he joined me when I crossed the finishing line.
"Thanks to everyone who sponsored me via my JustGiving site, £2,800 was raised and donated to Diabetes Research."