FATHER-of-two Andrew MacKinnon is getting ready to take on a gruelling five day endurance challenge in memory of youngster Maisie Gibbins, friend Matt Howe and his dad Mac, who all died within four months of each other.

The Triple M Challenge involves a 75-mile aid cycle from Great Bedwyn to London, the London Marathon and walking 100 miles along the Thames towpath from Putney Bridge back to Great Bedwyn.

The 49-year-old is tackling the 201.2 mile challenge in aid of three charities - Winston’s Wish, chosen by Mr Howe's wife, Laura, the Royal British Legion in memory of his dad who was an RAF pilot and the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal, which is supported by Massie’s family.

Mr MacKinnon, who lives in East Grafton, became friends with Mr Howes when they were both in the army.

The-44-year-old, who lived in Singapore, died of a heart attack in March 2014.

He had an eight-year-old son called Hamish and the charity chosen in his memory supports bereaved children.

Mr MacKinnon’s father died of a brain tumour in November 2013 at the age of 83.

Maisie, a year 8 pupil at St John’s School in Marlborough, died of a brain aneurysm in November 2013 at the age of 12.

Mr Mackinnon is a friend of her parents Nick and Lissa Gibbins who live in Great Bedwyn with her twin sister Isla and younger brothers George and Felix.

The family has been trying to raise £25,000 to support the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal in aid of new equipment for Bristol Children’s Hospital where Maisie was treated.

Mr Mackinnon said: “All three were close to us as a family and two in particular died at far too young an age.

“Life can be so cruel and I know all three would have embraced and fully supported such a challenge.”

He is hoping to raise £5,500 to split between the three charities and so far has reached more than £4,000.

The cycling challenge will begin on Saturday, the day before the marathon.

Mr Mackinnon, regional security manager at oil and gas company BG Group, said:

“People think I’m going mad but I’ve had lot of sponsorship and support from friends and family and people at work.”

“I’m quite confident I’ll complete it. I have to travel a lot for work so fitting in training has been difficult but we have quite a good gym at work so I’ve been trying to get there in my lunch hour.

“My fitness isn’t really going to improve at this stage so I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

To sponsor him visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/andrewmackinnon