Monger puts his own spin on triathlon to raise cash for charity

Racing driver and double amputee Billy Monger will take on a 140-mile triathlon-inspired challenge to raise money for Red Nose Day.

Later this month, Monger, who lost both of his legs in a racing accident three years ago, will tackle the huge distances on foot, take to freezing open waters by kayak and endure daylong stretches on a bike.

He will cover 140 miles in four days, finishing at Brands Hatch in Kent.

Monger began racing aged just six, but in April 2017 at a British F4 race he had to have both his legs amputated.

However, he was back at the wheel within a year and was awarded the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2018.

Monger has “no experience” ahead of the challenge – he has not cycled since his accident three years ago, and has never kayaked before.

“I’m going to have to get the hang of the gear pretty quickly, especially to cover the distances that we’re doing. So, it’s nerve-wracking but it’s exciting,” he said.

People at home will be able to see all the highs and lows of Billy’s challenge in an hour-long special documentary, filmed by a reduced crew, on BBC One.

The money raised will tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health problems.

Ahead of his challenge, Monger visited Fight 4 Change, a boxing project in London supported by Comic Relief. It offers young people boxing, mentoring, mental health support and peer-buddying systems.

Billy Monger trains at Herne Hill Velodrome, London.