Ryan Brown from Whitehaven has been inspired by his big brother – his hero - to push himself to the limit by taking on The Lakesman to raise money for Help for Heroes.

When Ryan was just six his brother, Mike, joined the Army aged 16 and enjoyed a successful career with the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers including a deployment at the height of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Now 24, Ryan is preparing for the biggest mental and physical challenge of his life when he takes on the gruelling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26-mile run, around Keswick but he is determined to do his bit to support members of the Armed Forces community live well after service.

He said: “I have always admired our Armed Forces, especially having a brother who has served. I always looked up to him when I was younger and wanted to follow him down the military route when I was old enough.

“I ended up getting a job locally at Sellafield but my interest in the forces never died down. In 2016 I raised money for Help for Heroes by doing the Great North Run and after five years I am back at it again.

News and Star: Ryan Brown Ryan Brown (Image: Help For Heroes)

"After Covid I was not in good shape, physically or mentally, I knew something had to change and I really began to appreciate the little things, such as being able to run, swim and cycle and just enjoy being outdoors.

Although Ryan’s brother Mike, 34, won’t be competing in the Lakesman, he will be Ryan’s biggest cheerleader. “I’ve always adored the bones of him,” Ryan added. “I remember when he was serving in Afghanistan I was in my early teens, and I was scared about what might happen

to him every single day. He has kick started my love of endurance events and hopefully I am making him proud.”

Help for Heroes supports veterans from any branch of the UK military, irrespective of length or place of service and provides support for people when they’re managing their physical and mental health, as well as their welfare and social needs.