A Solihull fitness fanatic is demonstrating his unwavering support to a cause close to his heart by taking on another seven challenging events over the coming months to raise vital funds.

Martyn Abbotts has been gradually challenging himself more and more each year as he fundraises for the Friends of Solihull Hospital (FOSH), which raises money for the hospital, part of Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

The 44-year-old business development manager from Solihull completed a double triathlon in 2014 for FOSH, as well as Marie Cure Solihull, but has taken his fundraising to a whole new level in 2015 for the two charities.

He is taking on the Stratford Triathlon, London 10K, Birmingham Triathlon, Shropshire Triathlon, Blenheim Triathlon and for the first time ever, an Iron Man distance triathlon in Snowdonia.

Martyn explained how long he has been doing the fundraising challenges and why he is determined to do it for these particular good causes.

He said: “I started doing this about seven years ago with a 10k run before gradually working my way up over the years to a double triathlon and now this year with six triathlon’s and an Iron Man.

“I chose these charities as sadly most people will pass through them in their lives and their work is often unseen but much felt. They are good people with good hearts and are the real heroes. They don’t get the funding they deserve and do a job that’s bigger than anything I could ever do.”

Martyn admitted he was a little apprehensive about taking on the Snowdonia challenge and said training was beginning to intensify ahead of the events.

He added: “Training is going very well – I’m doing two hours a day but need to get up to six hours, two days a week so I’m still working on that. I’m scared stiff about the Iron Man event if I’m honest! It’s longer than I have ever done before and I’m scared of the swimming – and coming last!

“I owe everything to a very supportive family, especially my wife Louise, who help pay for the events. I am beginning to try and collect sponsorship and do a raffle to help cover the additional events this year. If anyone can support with sponsorship or raffle prizes please email mabbotts50@hotmail.com”

Bill Jones, chairman of FOSH, said: “It is wonderful to see the effort Martyn is willing to put in to raise vital funds for the Friends of Solihull Hospital and we are extremely grateful to him for thinking of us.

“We are passionate about raising money to support Solihull Hospital and all the money we raise goes directly to supporting the hospital through such things as new equipment and improving the hospital environment to make the patient experience even more positive.”

If you would like to get involved with FOSH, please contact Bill Jones on 0791 4791414 or Liz Steventon on 0790 9912525.