A group of friends will run, swim and cycle from London to Paris to raise funds in memory of one of their mothers.

On Sunday Nick Johnson, Paul Le Riche and Kelly Langley will start the Arch 2 Arc Triathlon.

Generally understood to be one of the most gruelling endurance races Europe has to offer, relay teams take turns running the 87 miles from Marble Arch to Dover, swimming 21 miles across the English Channel and then hopping on the saddle for a 180 miles ride to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Mr Johnson, 42, from Bishop Stortford and Mr Langley, 44, from Bocking, were convinced to take on the challenge by Mr Le Riche, from Waltham Abbey.

The 50 year-old HR consultant is an avid Iron Man competitor who turned his attention and training efforts to an even bigger challenge following the death of his mother Pam.

Mr Johnson's wife Natalie - who will be handing Mars Bars out of the window of her Skoda Superb Estate/support car - said: "They all met on the edge of a lake where they were doing swim training.

"For Paul it is this absolute drive to better himself. He has always been like that.

"Nick and Kelly are there to support him.

"There's no way Nick would have done it otherwise. He hates this sort of thing. He really doesn't like running at all."

Although weather conditions and the choppiness of The Channel will determine when exactly the team will set off, they hope to reach Paris on Tuesday.

As well giving Mr Robinson a chance to reassess his views on jogging, the three fitness fanatics are hoping the run will get them to their £20,000 fundraising target.

Money raised will go to St Rocco's Hospice in Warrington, where Mrs Le Riche received care.

To support the effort, go to www.justgiving.com/companyteams/140yearstotri