A PE teacher is set to take on a crazy swimming challenge to raise money for a charity which helped his late father.

Matt Julier, 41, will take on the 2.6 challenge for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

It will see Matt, who runs MJ Triathlon Coaching Ltd, swim for 2.6 hours while tethered to a bungee cord.

He said: “I tried to think of a crazy challenge which included 2.6 as a number.

“My private pool had finally just been renovated and has been something I have been working on for some time so it seemed natural to go for a swimming challenge.

“It also meant that I would not be putting others a risk during this challenge as I am able to stay at home and not put extra strain on the emergency services.

“I can always stop if I get into difficulties.”

The 2.6 Challenge is open to anyone of any age – the only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing.

The initiative has been set up by the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group to fill the gap during the lockdown and raise money for charities hit by the pandemic.

Matt, who is head of PE at Thomas, Lord Audley School in Colchester, has been involved with MNDa since losing his father Derek a decade ago.

After his father’s death Matt set up a fund and raised more than £3,000.

“MNDa provided amazing support for my family and father during his palliative care and we need to find a cure for this awful disease,” he said.

And Matt admits his dad would have thought his 2.6 challenge was crazy.

He said: “It’s going to hurt so much but no where near as much as the pain MND sufferers face daily until the disease takes their life.

“I am lucky enough to be fit and healthy and have always wanted to push the boundaries of what my body is capable of as you just never know when it can be taken away from you."

He added: “I have never swum longer than an hour so this is absolutely nuts.

“I’ve been training with nine days of jogging and a few swims that build in duration every 15 mins.”

During his challenge, which takes place this weekend, Matt will be supported by his wife and children Fen, 11, and Milly, three.

To donate towards the fund, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mj-s-2-6-hour-world-record-swim-tethered-challenge.