A HEREFORDSHIRE man has completed a 15 hour Ironman challenge from Ross-on-Wye to Buckingham Palace.

On Saturday, July 31, Oli Marshall of Ross-on-Wye completed a solo Ironman challenge from Ross to the palace in central London, raising thousands of pounds for two children's charities: Acorn's Children's Hospital and Megan Baker House.

Hereford Times: Oli on the cycling stage of his challenge. Picture: Rachel Marshall Oli on the cycling stage of his challenge. Picture: Rachel Marshall

Mr Marshall started at 6am on Saturday morning, swimming 4.6km down the River Wye from the village Brampton Abbots. He then completed a 180km bike ride from Ross-on-Wye to Windsor Castle in Berkshire. He finished with a marathon run from Windsor to Buckingham Palace, arriving at 9pm.

He had spent six months training for the challenge and even overcame a torn calf muscle in June to reach his goal.

Mr Marshall said of the experience: "I've never quite had the feeling before of my body telling me to stop doing something so much. But it felt amazing to reach the palace, coming down the Mall in the dark. Seeing my daughters at the finish line was very special.

Hereford Times: Oli swimming in the River Wye. Picture: Rachel Marshall Oli swimming in the River Wye. Picture: Rachel Marshall

"It was wanting to complete it for the children's charities that saw me through. I've worked in early years education for the last 20 years and the work these charities do is amazing. They have been the big motivation for me to do this."

He has so far raised £9,000 for his chosen charities, but said that donations are still welcome, with many still coming through.

Those wishing to donate can do so here.