A FORMER postman is preparing to take part in a triathlon despite only having one leg.
Glenn Johnstone, who had his right leg removed above the knee seven years ago, is taking on the challenge later this month.
The 46-year-old, from Stanley, County Durham, will cycle 10km, run two-and-a-half kilometres and swim 400m in open water.
The Tri and Para-Tri event is being held at Dorney Lake, at Eton in Berkshire on August 23.
Mr Johnstone, who is now employed a part time physiotherapist at the RVI in Newcastle, lost his leg following surgery to remove a tumour almost 20 years ago.
He said: “I have never done a triathlon so I am excited, but also a little bit nervous. I have only just back into swimming after 20 years. It is strange going back into the water with only one leg because it is hard to balance.”
Mr Johnstone is raising money for Arctic One, a charity, which supports able bodied and disabled athletes as well as looking at ways sport can prevent cancer related diseases.
They are helping him to get an Ossur Flex run blade, like the one used by Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorious, which cost £10,500.
He has pledged to keep raising money for the charity after the event and has more fundraising events planned.
He said: “I just want to raise as much as possible. Anything over the £10,500 will be donated back to Arctic One and I have said I would like it to go to help people in the North-East.”
Next year Mr Johnstone, a keen mountain biker, is planning to an adventure cycle ride around the Western Isles of Scotland with a geo-caching treasure hunt theme.
He is currently looking for support from businesses in the region and is keen to help other amputees recover so they can continue living active lives.
He added: “I want to raise as much awareness as I can for other disabled athletes in the North-East.”
Mr Johnstone has set up an online support group called Facebook Amputees, which now has more 2,000 members worldwide.
To sponsor Mr Johnstone log on to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=GlennJohnstone
You can contact him by emailing kotz68@btinternet.com or read his blog by logging on to kotz68.blogspot.co.uk
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