A SCHOOL chef who serves Ormiston Rivers pupils will take on the gruelling Ironman UK triathlon for disabled charity Scope after seeing their good work first-hand.
Paul King, 21, from Russet Way, Burnham-on-Crouch is taking part in the 10th Anniversary of Ironman UK held in Bolton on the August 4 next year.
Ironman UK is one of the world's toughest triathlons compromising a 2.4 mile open lake swim, 112 mile bike ride with a 7,500ft climb followed by a 26.2 mile marathon run. All this has to be completed on the same day and within 17 hours to qualify as a finisher.
"I know that it will be extremely hard but I'm up for the challenge – I feel like I want to scratch the itch because it's something I've always wanted to do since finding out about triathlons and long distance running.
"The Ironman poses both mental and physical challenges, as well as serious commitment," said Paul.
Paul chose Scope UK after the charity worked closely with his nan's brother, Martin Edwards, from Thurrock, who has Down's syndrome.
"I've seen the before and after with Martin. I know just how much better this sort of care can be for people.
"Scope do fantastic work not only with disabled people but they work with a disabled person's family to make their lives easier. They couldn't do anymore in fact so I would love to give back in any way that I can," said Paul.
Paul is training between 15 and 25 hours a week, which will peak at 30 hours leading up to the event on mixed disciplines including swimming, running and cycling – but having previously only entered 10k 'fun' runs, Paul understands that taking part in the Ironman is quite a step up.
"I know I won't have had the most experience when I turn up on the day, and I know it's a massive increase in intensity but I'm not too concerned, I have a training regime and I'm going to stick to it so hopefully I'll be in good stead.
"My family think that I'm mad for doing this they can't see why I'm interested but on the whole they have been really supportive to me."
When he is not dishing out school dinners to pupils Paul plays acoustic guitar in the band 'Timeless Acoustic' with singer Kerrie Angell.
"I do like my job at Ormiston and the school has really changed in the three years that I've been there – luckily the children are really well behaved to all of us – they have a lot of respect," said Paul.
Scope offers help and information for disabled people along with their families and campaign to raise awareness of issues that affect disabled people.
To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulKingIronMan2014
