AS if a 70.3 mile ironman competition wasn't enough of a challenge, former Kendray lad Tony Bedford will attempt it in stifling Singapore temperatures of more than 30 degrees.
Tony, 47, moved to the island when his wife, Paula, was offered a job there.
He grew up on Croft Road, Kendray, and lived in Hunningley, Darfield and Brierley before moving.
Tony is a former personal trainer who has always been interested in fitness and will compete in the Metasport
Ironman Challenge in Bintan, Indonesia, in August.
It consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride followed by a half marathon (13 miles).
He said: "The distance isn't the main factor because I know my training plan will have me ready, it's the heat - 30 degrees plus with 90 per cent humidity. It won't be a fast finish time, it's just impossible to go quick without overheating and if heatstroke sets it then the challenge is over, so a very sensible game plan is essential.
"It's held in Bintan and apparently the route takes you through villages where all the kids come out to cheer you on and run along side you. That will be amazing I'm really looking forward to it."
Despite his new life in Singapore, Tony admits he does miss Barnsley and its folk.
He said: "I miss the people and I miss the northern humour so much. Singapore has its beauty but for me it hasn't the soul that Barnsley has. I miss a really good belly laugh with my friends, that type of laughter you only get when your with your closest friends.
"I have toned the accent down a bit just so I can be understood, it gets very frustrating having to ask for a latte three times then eventually having to point.
"People have asked if I'm Scottish or Irish and some just think I have a speech impediment I think. But I get by, I just speak slower."
