TWO brothers have completed the Taunton Triathlon in tribute to their dad and raising more than £500 for a Chard care home in the process.

Ben and Luke Chubb were among the 240 athletes to take part in the the challenge, completing it in memory of their dad, Mike, who died last year.

The money raised will be donated to the Sunnymeade Care Home, in Helliers Close.

Mr Chubb said: “It went very well. We both completed it in good times and so far have raised £500. We hope to be up to £1,000 once all money is collected.

“We are aiming to present money raised to Sunnymeade Care Home in a couple of weeks once all cash has been collected. Thank you for all donations so far.”

Talking to the Chard and Ilminster News before the triathlon, which was on May 29, he added: “We are doing this in memory of our Dad, Mike, who recently passed away after suffering from a rare form of dementia for several years.

“Sunnymeade provided valuable respite and day care for Dad during this time and we would like to show our appreciation by donating as much money as we can through sponsorship.

“Anyone wishing to donate to our cause is able to do so by dropping money into Barry Gibbs funeral directors in Chard.”

The challenge start at Taunton school with a 400m swim. This was then followed by a 28km bike race through Norton Fitzwarren, out to Wiveliscombe, and back to Taunton School.

The challenge concluded with a 5km run through the town centre, a lap of the sports grounds of the school and finishes in front of the fabulous main school building.

Around 700 spectators turned up to cheer the competitors on.

Race director Steve Elliott, of Total Buzz Events, said: “It’s a great event that we’ve been running for the fifth year.

“It’s the second year we’ve been sold out and I’m delighted at the turnout.

“The weather has been perfect for the participants, with moderate temperatures and hardly any wind and a good crowd turned up to watch.

“The event has grown year on year.”

Each of the competitors, who mostly came from within a 15-mile radius of Taunton, was presented with a commemorative medal.