A Norwich teenager is set to achieve a goal which his family thought would never be possible when he takes part in a triathlon this summer.

Rory Fairfoot will be part of a relay team for the Fritton Lake Triathlon on June 17.

The 14-year-old, who has autism and severe learning difficulties, will do the 40km cycle on a tandem with his mum Jenny while his sister Ellie will swim 1,500m in the lake and his dad Monty will run 10km.

The family, who live in Christchurch Road, Norwich, will be raising money for the Hamlet Centre Trust which has supported Rory over the past few years.

His mum Jenny Mayne, a member of triathlon club Tri-Anglia, said: 'The Hamlet Centre has provided a wonderful resource for Rory and respite for us as a family.

'When Rory was little, we never imagined he could do some of the things that he can do now. It is going to be a really challenge for him but he surprises us all the time and we are so proud of him.'

The Hamlet Centre Trust, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, supports children and adults with disabilities.

It recently opened its new �1.3m centre in Johnson Place, near the Chapelfield roundabout, for its children's services.

The Fairfoot family were inspired to take part in the triathlon after family members did the London Triathlon in 2003 to raise funds for a therapy programme for Rory at the time.

'At that stage it was hard to imagine what Rory would be able to achieve. It seems fitting that we can now 'celebrate' as a family by taking part in a triathlon ourselves and hopefully raise a load of cash for the great work of the Hamlet Centre,' said Mrs Mayne.

To sponsor Rory and his family, go to www.justgiving.com/roryfairfoot.

There are still entries available to take part in the Fritton Lake Triathlon, which will be held at Fritton Lake, near Beccles. There are shorter distance events on June 16 and the Olympic distance on June 17. For more information, go to www.activeoutdoorsport.co.uk.

Are you going to extraordinary lengths to raise money for charity? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.