The Reverand Simon d’Albertanson aims to complete 2012 miles by the end of the year

The Reverand Simon d’Albertanson is a minister with a mission – to complete a 2012-mile marathon by the end of the year.

The Seaton Baptist pastor plans to complete the distance by competing in a series of events – including swimming, cycling and running.

He began his epic challenge last September and hopes to cross the finish line 12 months later.

He admits he’s more than “a bit mad” but says its all for a worthy cause.

He’s doing it mainly to raise money for a family summer mission trip to The Gambia and for three charities close to his heart - Emmanuel Stepping Stones, a nursery school in The Gambia, The brain injury charity, Brainwave, and Cancer Research UK.

He told The Herald: “As a Baptist minister I’m very fortunate to have a sabbatical this summer and I’d heard from friends about Emmanuel Stepping Stones so thought I might be able to help, both by raising some money and by going out with my family to help run a holiday club for them in August.

“The UK charities are also important to me as I have people very close to me who are battling with cancer and brain injuries.”

Simon is currently about half way through the challenge which invokes taking part in four triathlons, the Seaton Grizzly run, this year’s Jurassic Classic 100 mile bike ride and the Silverstone duathlon – three laps of the F1 circuit on a bicycle.

He said: “‘I’m loving it. I’ve already done three of the triathlons but with the longest one to go in September.

“The Grizzly was amazing, great atmosphere, brilliant weather and the best marshals in the world. I’m also really looking forward to racing around the Formula One track at Silverstone in a few weeks time.”

People can sponsor Simon by logging on to https://my.give.net/sbc/Donate/GiftDetails

All donations will be routed through the Seaton Baptist Church account to enable gift aid to be claimed.