Three members of the ophthalmology team at Tetbury Hospital are taking on an Ironman triathlon on Saturday (June 11).

The challenge will start at the local swimming pool in Westonbirt and finish at Tetbury Hospital.

The Ironman team consists of John Ferris, consultant ophthalmologist, Nitin Anand, consultant ophthalmologist, and Jadie Cotterell, healthcare assistant and ophthalmic technician.

Nitin will kick off the challenge with the swim (2.4 miles), handing over the baton to John for cycling (112 miles) and finishing with Jadie running the marathon (26.2 miles).

The Ironman team is raising money for a new operating microscope for the Day Surgery Unit. The existing microscope has served the department well, but now needs to be replaced.

Last year, there were over 1,500 cataract procedures performed at Tetbury Hospital. The microscope is used on every cataract patient, making it a vital piece of equipment.

Throughout the day, Jadie, Nitin and John will be joined by other members of the ophthalmology team, who will be swimming, cycling or running part of the Ironman course to support them all the way.

John Ferris said: "One of the few positives that has come from the Covid pandemic is that many people, of all ages, have realised the positive impact exercise can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.

"After the lifting of the first lockdown, I started to commute from my home in Birdlip to Tetbury Hospital on my bike. Cycling along the same roads, taking in the subtle changes in the Cotswold countryside with the passing seasons and embracing whatever the weather had in store, has been a revelatory experience.

"The idea behind this Ironman challenge was not only to set a testing target for Nitin, Jadie and myself, but also to inspire members of our great ophthalmology team to challenge themselves by swimming, cycling or running further than they have ever done before and, in the process, raise some funds for our fantastic hospital."

To support the Ironman team and help them raise vital funds towards the microscope, go to the Tetbury Hospital Ironman page on Just Giving or www.friendsoftetburyhospital.co.uk.