EX-SOLDIER Nigel Wilson has set himself a goal of completing three gruelling endurance events despite having type one diabetes.

The 32-year-old, from Hawkshaw, is gearing up for the Bolton Ironman challenge which will see him swim, cycle and complete a marathon at the showpiece event on Sunday July 19. And if that isn't difficult enough, Nigel will have to keep tabs on his sugar levels throughout.

Ironman is one of three events which the ex-Army man is targeting to raise £1,000 for the Colonel’s Fund, Grenadier Guards.

He has already successfully completed May’s Great Manchester 10k run, wearing a full American football outfit, and next year plans to take part in another similar event in Manchester wearing the same gear.

He explained: "The events are to raise money for the Colonel's Fund, Grenadier Guards which is my old army regiment. The charity helps injured soldiers but unfortunately it isn't as big as Help for Heroes, so doesn't get the same press coverage."

Nigel had two stints in the Army, totalling eight years, and served in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan before leaving in 2010.

He added: "However, the week I left the army I found out I had type one diabetes. So, this means I have to constantly monitor my blood sugar levels and inject insulin when I eat to do the job my pancreas no longer does. During physical activity, this becomes more difficult as your blood sugars are constantly dropping.

"Having regular insulin injections make the endurance events so much harder. Bolton Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, then a 112-mile bike ride, then a 26-mile marathon — all while managing my sugar levels while on the go with a 17-hour cut of time."

Nigel, who works in private security, is also a Special Constable. His wife Amanda is also expecting their first child.

He has already raised £560 towards his £1,000 fundraising target, and anyone wishing to boost his total can visit www.justgiving.com/Nigel-Wilson2015