A WIRRAL man is hoping to raise vital funds for a local charity and honour his brother by becoming an ironman.

William Barr, from Meols is set to take part in a gruelling swimming, cycling and running race supporting Headway Wirral, a charity that works to improve life for people and their families after a serious brain injury.

His brother Pete suffered a brain injury, caused by viral encephalitis, which is a rare but life-changing condition that causes a swelling of the brain.

He was placed in a drug-induced coma for six weeks.

Some people make a full recovery but for many it can lead to permanent damage. Pete, now aged 33, lives with severe epilepsy.

William said: “I’m hoping to raise more than £500 for Headway Wirral by completing the Weymouth Ironman 70.3.

“My dad became involved in the charity through my brother Pete, who suffered a brain injury at the age of 21, and I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that Headway Wirral does for people with acquired brain injuries.

“Hearing the stories from Headway Wirral members you realise that a brain injury can affect anyone at any time and I know it impacts on the whole family.”

To finish the Ironman challenge William will have to swim 1.2 miles, ride 56 miles and run 13.1 miles.

He started preparing for the event in March and is training 10 to 12 hours per week.

As part of his preparation, he is taking part in the Wirral Sprint Triathlon in West Kirby on Sunday.

William’s dad Pete Barr who works for Headway Wirral said: “There are more than 800 Wirral people living with a brain injury.

“That’s 800 families dealing with a catastrophic head injury that completely changes all of their lives.

“Each family faces different challenges and has different needs.

“We offer life-long support and services to help all family members to try to cope with the physical and psychological trauma – and rebuild the best life possible.

“It costs more than £25,000 a year to fund Headway’s activities in Wirral and £5,000 a year to run a weekly support group.

“The vast majority of our funding comes from generous donations and fundraising, so when Bill mentioned doing the Ironman challenge for the group I wasn’t going to let him get out of it.

“I’m really proud of him because it’s not going to be easy.”

“I had a certain level of fitness before I started this but Ironman is a whole new level. It is brutal.” William added.

“I do a long run and long cycle every week and in between there is the open water swimming and shorter runs and rides.

“I’m looking forward to finishing the event so I don’t have to do so much training.”

The Ironman Challenge takes place September 11. To sponsor William visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WilliamBarr