Former world boxing champion Darren Barker is currently undertaking a gruelling fitness challenge, "The Longest Round," which involves cycling and swimming almost 2,000 miles. The endeavour aims to raise money and awareness for the mental health charity Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Barker's challenge includes cycling from Edinburgh to Dover, swimming the English Channel, cycling from Calais to Gibraltar, and then swimming across the Strait into Morocco. Although dangerous waters prevented his planned Channel swim, he made up the 21-mile distance in other open waters.
The 44-year-old began the challenge a week ago and is currently in France. He is undertaking the feat in memory of his friend, boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46 almost a year ago. Barker was the last person to interview Hatton, five days before his death.
At the time of writing, Barker has raised over £33,000. He has been joined by fellow ex-world champions Tony Bellew and Barry Jones for parts of his journey, stopping to talk to people and share stories about mental health.