MOLE Valley police officer Jason Woods will face a series of endurance challenges over the next 12 months to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
PC Woods, neighbourhood specialist officer for Goodwyns, Chart Downs and North Holmwood, is part of the Iron Coppers team, a group of officers who are giving up their spare time to take on gruelling fitness tests throughout 2013.
He will start with an 80km cycling event in March on the South Downs, with his next big challenge coming in the form of the Tour of Flanders 140km bike race in Belgium at Easter.
He said: "I think everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer so it's a worthwhile cause, but it's a good challenge as well; something to work towards.
"Cycling is my strongest discipline these days and I have already started training hard with some cold and wet winter miles, with 200 miles under my belt for the first three weeks of the year."
PC Woods has also entered the Sussex Triathlon in July and is hoping to compete in the Southwater Triathlon in West Sussex in September, with the aim of raising at least £1,000 in total.
He is also awaiting the announcement of the Maxx Exposure South Downs Ride in September, which will be a gruelling 75-mile night ride.
He said: "I hope to be entering more events soon. These plans may include something crazy in the French Alps, possibly the Alpe d'Huez triathlon, so watch this space.
"I was plagued with injuries in 2012 so I am hoping 2013 will bring me luck.
"I am doing all this with a worn-out body from 30 years of football and numerous injuries, so let's see what happens."
Crawley-based officer Dale Taylor, who set up the Iron Coppers team, said: "This is a huge challenge for a group of police officers who work varying shift patterns and have to fit the training and events around the job.
"The charity is close to our hearts, with many of us experiencing family losses to cancer."
Visit www.ironcoppers.com to keep up to date on their progress, or www.justgiving.com/Jason-Woods1 to donate.
