Former professional footballer Paul Gibbs is preparing himself for the first leg of a double charity challenge this week, in aid of the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.

The 38-year-old played for Norwich City as a youth player but after not making the first team went on to play for the likes of Colchester United, Brentford and Barnsley in the Football League.

Originally from Gorleston, and now working for Great Yarmouth recruitment publication The Jobseeker, Paul is going back to his roots to help sustain one of the Community Sports Foundation's (CSF) schemes.

He is aiming to contribute �2,000 to CSF's Sporting Light appeal, which is aiming to raise �50,000, by competing in two triathlon events.

Sporting Light provides respite care, coaching, confidence building and fun through sport for people with disabilities, but needs a funding boost to continue its work.

Paul will take on the first of his two triathlons this Friday, at Fritton Lake, near Gorleston which will be part of his preparation for the more demanding Olympic Triathlon at Hever Castle, Kent in September.

The Fritton Lake triathlon is a 400m swim, a 14km bike ride and a 2.5km run, which Paul is calling his 'warm-up' before the 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run at Hever Castle.

As a triathlon rookie, purchasing the correct equipment has been a big part of Paul's early preparations and he has received support from local bicycle suppliers Pedal Revolution on Bethel Street, Norwich, picking up his bike at the end of last week.

Paul, who played at Wembley three times during his career, said: 'Football has been good to me and sport has given me a chance in life to follow my passion and dreams.

'I now have a new passion, to help disabled children locally get into sports and enjoy all the things I did when I was playing football.'

To donate to Paul's triathlon challenge, visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulGibbs11 or for more information about the Sporting Light appeal visit www.sportinglight.org.uk

Are you planning an unusual charity event? Contact Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk