A father-of-four who turned around his life after a “wake-up call” to get fit has battled his way through a gruelling triathlon.

In the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures well over 70 degrees, National Grid manager Peter Wilson, from Saffron Walden, swam 300 metres, cycled for 22km and ran 4km as he completed the Newmarket Triathlon – and helped raise funds for charity.

He was racing with 150 other triathletes at the sell-out event, and was cheered on by his wife Sue and four children.

Mr Wilson, 42, raised £565, and his employers pledged to add to his efforts to increase his total to over £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He said: “It was a tough challenge, but well worth it. I didn’t have a set-time to finish but I was really pleased with how it all went.”

Mr Wilson was ill with pneumonia five years ago, and took up charity challenges after he was advised to lose weight and get fit. He has shed four stone, run a half marathon, and completed in the London to Brighton and London to Cambridge bike rides.

“To think, a few years ago I was very unfit – now I’m much healthier and helping others,” he said.

“There is a great sense of all-round happiness knowing you’ve got fit, achieved a personal milestone by completing a triathlon, as well as raising money for such a worthwhile charity.

“Macmillan was voted by National Grid employees as our chosen charity last year and we hope to raise £500,000 for them over the next two years. We are looking to provide 2,500 emergency fuel grants to people who are suffering with cancer.

“It’s a really great cause and the Macmillan staff do a fantastic job supporting people.”

Macmillan improves the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical and financial support.