A London Duathlon competitor will be running and cycling 35km (22 miles) in honour of his brother, who was paralysed in a rugby accident.

Alex Lugt, 38, of Dorset Way, Twickenham, is about to begin training for the annual duathlon, which will see participants put through their paces in Richmond Park.

He was inspired to take part by his brother JP, who was a keen duathlete and took part in extreme versions of the event, over distances of more than 700km (435 miles), before his accident.

JP, 39, has spent nearly half his life in a wheelchair after breaking his neck while playing rugby at the age of 20. The accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down.

Alex said: “JP was a very keen duathlon athlete, not just normal duathlons but ultra duathlons, which he would take part in every year.

“What happened in the scrum was incredibly rare and it was an awful accident, we were all distraught.”

However, JP has not let his disability prevent him from living a full life, according to Alex, and he runs a successful business that cures and distributes olives.

Alex said: “This is my first duathlon and I wanted to dedicate it to my brother because of his love of them.

“He is delighted and very chuffed and I’m sure he wishes he could do it alongside me. Despite his accident he still loves to be outdoors and has not let his disabilities stop him pursuing this love.”

JP said: “Having competed in a number of duathlons here in South Africa before a rugby accident left me paralysed from the neck down, I realise the commitment it takes to do well and achieve. “My best wishes go to my brother and I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers on the day. Believe me, I wish I could be with him.”

Alex and his team of six will be taking on the challenge level, which entails running 10km (six miles) then cycling 20km (12.5 miles) and finishing with a 5km (three-mile) run.

The event is on Sunday, September 11, in Richmond Park. This year’s official charity is Macmillan Cancer Support and entry is free for competitors who raise £400 for the charity.

To enter the duathlon or to find out more about the event visit thelondon duathlon.co.uk.

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