A Rise Park man went the extra mile – and then some – for St Francis Hospice when he completed a triathlon that included a little extra cycling.

Paul was intending to complete a 1.5km swim in the Royal Victoria Docks in east London, followed by a 40km cycle round around Docklands and a 10km run to round things off at the endurance event held on Sunday, September 23.

But after he missed his turn-off during the bicycle part of the challenge, he was forced to pedal an unplanned third lap.

The BT engineer, 50, said: “Saint Francis Hospice is a local charity and it’s a cause I really wanted to help, particularly as my wife also works there on the reception desk.

“The weather on the day of the triathlon was absolutely atrocious and unfortunately when I was on the cycling part of the event I completed the second lap around the Excel centre but then missed my exit point so I ended up riding a third lap.

“I’m pleased to say I still just managed to beat my target time of four hours for the whole event – coming in at three hours and 57 minutes.”

Paul’s efforts raised more than �450 for patient care at the Havering-atte-Bower Hospice.