He then cycled for more than 200 kilometres and ran a marathon before finally crossing the finishing line.

Keith Maclure was amongst the endurance athletes who completed the epic Celtman Extreme Scottish Triathlon last month.

The 39-year-old posted a time of 16 hours and 43 minutes for his first ever full ironman challenge.

And he’s almost crossing another finishing line as he approaches his £1,000 fundraising target.

Keith told the Border Telegraph: “My wife became a puppy walker last year and as we become more involved with the charity, we became increasingly aware of what a life changing service they provide.

“I had already done half a dozen smaller triathlons but this was the first time I had tried a full one.” Keith started his epic challenge at 5am on June 28 with a 3.8km swim in Loch Shieldaig, a 400 metre deep sea loch.

A 202 kilometre cycle followed through the winding roads of Wester Ross, which included more than 2,000 metres of climbing.

But the worst part came with a grueling mountain marathon through the Coulin Pass and over two Munros.

Keith, who is now recovering at home in Tweedbank, added: “It was really tough but the scenery kept me going.

“I think my family will be glad I have now done it as they have hardly seen me since January with all the training.” Keith and his wife, Lynne, began walking Guide Dog pups last year.

Following a successful 12 months of rearing Teddy they are now helping Tweedy in its early stages of training.

The dad of two hopes his Celtman challenge will boost the Guide Dogs charity by £1,000.

Fiona Froude from Guide Dogs told us: “It costs around £50,000 to support each guide dog from birth to retirement, and as our guide dog service receives no government funding, every penny raised will make a life-changing difference to people who are blind or partially-sighted.” To support Keith’s fundraising efforts log onto http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KeithMaclure