BURY swimmer Lewis Coleman will be adding cycling and running to his repertoire when he competes in his first triathlon this weekend.

The 24-year-old former Greenmount Primary School pupil will be taking part in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon on Saturday to raise money for blood cancer charity Bloodwise.

He has called upon the help of nine friends, including London Olympic silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson, to join him as he takes part in the memory of mum Mags Coleman, who died, aged 49, of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in November last year.

She passed away at home in Bury just a day after the birthday of her youngest son – Lewis’s brother – Oliver.

Lewis, who competed in England's freestyle relay team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is now a sports ambassador for Bloodwise.

Mrs Coleman was diagnosed with ALL in June 2012 but chemotherapy was unsuccessful and she was entered on to a clinical drugs trial before undergoing a stem cell transplant in 2013.

Unfortunately, after only a few months in remission, she was told that she had relapsed and that the cancer had spread to become terminal.

He said: “Mum had one final wish to see Oliver’s birthday and, as was always the case, she managed to because of her determination, despite having the odds stacked against her.

"She was such an inspiration and has left such an impression on people’s lives.”

Back in 2014, Lewis organised “Swim4Leukaemia” – a world record-breaking 100x100m relay event which raised £25,000 for Bloodwise – to help more people like his mum gain access to better treatment.

“It’s great to be supporting this brilliant charity once again and doing my very best to continue to help raise awareness of the amazing work they do," he said.

"These clinical trials are only available because of the funds raised and the work that Bloodwise do to speed up access to treatment.

"Without the trial mum may not have lived to see Christmas 2012.

“I can’t wait to take part in the Blenheim Triathlon, and to have the support of my friends for this has been fantastic. For them to lend their time and effort to raise money for Bloodwise in my mums’ memory is something I'm very grateful for."

Jamieson added: “I’m excited to play a small part in the vital work Bloodwise do, through Blenheim Triathlon next month. Lewis is a close friend of mine and the charity played an important role in his family’s journey so there was no question in lending my support to them. I hope we can raise funds and awareness for the great work they do.”

The Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon is the second largest triathlon in the UK and now in its 12th year is set to welcome more than 7,000 triathletes towards the scenic World Heritage Site.

Last year the Bloodwise triathletes raised £450,000 for the charity.

To support Lewis, visit the group’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/michael-jamieson4