Peter Corcoran will endure the challenge consisting of a 4km swim followed by a 180km cycle route and a 42.2km run.

A former Brent councillor faces a gladiatorial challenge this summer in aid of charity.

Peter Corcoran, who served as a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Tokyngton Ward for four years, will be taking part in the Ironman challenge in Frankfurt, Germany.

Mr Corcoran, who held his seat from 2006 to 2010, will represent Ireland in the veteran’s category at the Ironman European Championships on July 8.

The notorious endurance event consists of a 4km swim followed by a 180km cycle route, across cobbled hills and notoriously steep climbs.

Contestants will then have to complete a 42.2km run, all within the space of 15 hours.

Temperatures have been known to climb to nearly 40 degrees Celsius on summer days.In a bid to acclimatise, he has been using the saunas at Living Well Health Clubs at the Wembley Plaza Hotel in Empire Way.

Speaking about the event, the 46-year-old, who lives in Mostyn Avenue, Wembley, said: “I have been reading the blog of people who have run this race and it will be by far the most difficult challenge in my 30 years of endurance.

“This is the mother of speed and obstacle endurance, I will give it my all though and I hope that will be enough to avoid the race directors red card.”

During the challenge, Mr Corcoran will be raising money for St Luke’s Hospice, which provides respite care for people will terminal illnesses.

He added: “It is for a fantastic cause, St Luke’s do great work for our community and everyone in our local area is rightly proud of the work they do.

“I hope that people will be able to sponsor my endurance event to help St Luke’s continue their great work.

“But also I want to raise awareness and encourage people to get involved in sport in what is the Olympic year.”

To sponsor Mr Corcoran visit www.justgiving.com/Peter-Corcoran1 or call 0208382806.