A father-of-two is heading to China at the weekend to complete a challenge for the British Lung Foundation which has never been attempted before.

Andrew Shirley, of Lavender Way in Hitchin, will leave today (Sunday) together with 13 teammates as he attempts to run two half marathons and cycle 155km before trekking for two days along the Great Wall of China – all in six days.

For the grand finale the 35-year-old hopes to cross the finish line at the National Stadium, where the Beijing Olympics were held in 2008.

The challenge has been organised by charity campaigner Amanda Evans, who decided to take it on in honour of her father, former MP David Evans, who died from the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2008.

Andrew, whose wife works with Amanda, is taking part after a space on the team became available five weeks ago.

Andrew, a self-employed plumber, said: “I feel confident and determined despite not ever doing anything like this before. The most I have ever done is run in a 10km race a few years ago. I have been training six days a week and apart from a few butterflies I am looking forward to it.”

“I’d never heard of IPF but when my wife told me about Amanda’s challenge and her reasons for organising such a tremendous trip I was really inspired to sign up.

“I’m proud to be a part of it and hope my contribution can make a difference to people whose lives have been affected by IPF.”

To sponsor Andrew visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Shirley2