COMPLETING as many as five endurance events in five months is an impressive feat for anyone.

But for Summertown father-of-two Simon Appleby it is nothing short of inspiring.

The 40-year-old has a rare, hereditary heart rhythm disorder known as Brugada syndrome, which puts him at a higher risk of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Despite his heart condition, Mr Appleby has completed his challenge and has raised more than £2,000 to pay for a defibrillator for his Summertown community – at a location still to bedecided – as part of Arrhythmia Alliance’s Hearts & Goals campaign.

Mr Appleby, who started the challenge in May and completed his last triathlon at Dorney Lakes on September 29, said: “I am so pleased to have been able to achieve this.

“This has been one of the most gruelling experiences of my life whilst trying to balance the extensive training, long work hours and two young energetic kids.

“When I found out I had Brugada I really wanted to do something positive and I’m delighted to have reached my target and to be able to place a defibrillator as part of Hearts & Goals so that everyone in my local community can benefit from have one of these lifesaving devices.”

The life lciences manager for a global supercomputing firm was diagnosed with Brugada last year by chance after doctors spotted something abnormal when he visited the hospital on an unrelated matter. The condition can cause episodes where the heart beats too fast, leading to blackouts.

Mr Appleby added: “When I found out I had Brugada I hadn’t even heard of it and neither had any of my friends or family.

“I really wanted to do something to generate awareness and to get a defibrillator in my community.”

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) do not require training and can be used by anyone in the event of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest to shock the heart back into rhythm.

The machine can increase the risk of a person surviving from just five per cent to 50 per cent.

Trudie Lobban MBE, founder and chief executive of Arrhythmia Alliance, said: “Everyone at the charity has been so impressed by his determination and thanks to his work the community of Summertown will be safer now.”

Mr Appleby completed the Cotswold Triathlon, Blenheim Triathlon, Dorney Lakes 10k, Oxford Triathlon and a full triathlon at Dorney.

To donate, visit www.just giving.com/sappleby