A firefighter has set himself a task of doing 40 challenges before his 40th birthday in November, after his girlfriend had a stroke.

Wandsworth Times:

Working hard: Darren is doing it for his girlfriend

Darren Long, 39, from Wandsworth fire station wants to tick off at least one of his 40b4forty tasks as part of the fire station's open day.

The day on June 20, for the Stroke Association, Changing Faces and the Firefighters Charity, will include Mr London attempting to climb the 135 fire ladder 40 times.

Mr Long said he was inspired after his girlfriend Chantelle's stroke to raise the profile of the Stroke Association and to give him something to focus on.

He said: "I have unfortunately and unintentionally cranked up the pressure on myself by, instead of having 365 days to complete this, giving myself less than 330, so am gonna need all the help I can get.

"I can already feel a pressure to get things done and under my belt.

Some of the challenges include waxing 40 per cent of his body, 40 days without alcohol, sleeping rough for 40 hours and partying with 40 friends.

A full list of his challenges can be found at 40b4forty.co.uk and his fundraising page is virginmoneygiving.com/40b4forty.