ALL action Simon Brierley is usually seen climbing ladders, running hose and driving fire engines. But now Simon, from Great Yarmouth, is facing the challenge of a lifetime competing at next year's World Fire Fighter Ironman Championship.

ALL action Simon Brierley is usually seen climbing ladders, running hose and driving fire engines.

But now Simon, from Great Yarmouth, is facing the challenge of a lifetime competing at next year's World Fire Fighter Ironman Championship. Super fit Simon, 29, will be pushing himself to the limit swimming 3.8km, cycling 180km and running 42km at the championship in Germany.

“I have taken part in Triathlons for the past 18 years, but never done the real Ironman distance - now the time has come for me to be a true Triathlete,” he said.

The months of training will all be worthwhile if Simon succeeds in raising as much money as possible for the Genetic Research Team, based in Cambridge, and The Fire Fighters Charity.

Simon's one-year-old son, Joel, was diagnosed with genetic disease Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) at birth.

He said: "When Joel was diagnosed with BWS it was a very difficult and confusing time for us. We didn't know much about the syndrome and had no idea what sort of help or support was available for Joel.

"But we were put in touch with the BWS Support Group and we were referred to Dr Brooks, a paediatrician at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and they have been amazing. They have always been there whenever we have needed advice or support.

“Joel is required to attend Scans at the hospital every four months until the age of eight; this is to monitor the growth and development of his internal organs and to see any early stages of tumours.

“Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean the charities can continue their invaluable work supporting families like mine.”

Simon can be sponsored online at www.justgiving.com/fireironmansimon. Donations will be a split 50/50 between both charities.