Flight delays are first test for Felmingham iron man challenger

A former RAF corporal gearing up for his first 'ironman' challenge has had a stressful run up to the 14-hour marathon of swimming, cycling and running.

TOUGH GOING: A former RAF corporal gearing up for his first "ironman" challenge has had a stressful run-up to the 14-hour marathon of swimming, cycling and running.

Clive Snowden, pictured, was due to fly to Malaysia on Friday, but a 48-hour delay at Heathrow meant at one stage he was worried he would have to cancel the attempt.

Although the challenge, which features a 2.4- mile sea swim, 112-mile bike ride and full marathon, is not until February 27, he needed to be at the location - the island of Langkawi - well in advance for final training and to acclimatise to the 110 degree heat and 85pc humidity.

Mr Snowden, 48, from Felmingham, is aiming to raise �2,000 for Help For Heroes by completing the challenge.

"My wife and I finally got here two days later than expected and also had to wait for the next flight to come in because my bike was on it," said Mr Snowden.

"We are now unpacked, the bike has been checked and it's fine. But it was a very stressful time; I have been training for this for a year and at one stage it looked very dicey whether we would get here in time and have enough days left to get ready safely for what is a very tough challenge."

Last year's winner of the Langkawi ironman challenge, Australian Luke McKenzie, completed it in 8hrs, 26min, but Mr Snowden is aiming for 14� hours.

To sponsor or support Mr Snowden call him on 07870 151114 or visit www.justgiving.

com/langkawi-ironman

Picture: LIBRARY