A triathlete who crashed during Long Course Weekend is back on track to take part in this weekend’s Ironman Wales, but sadly without the man who inspired him to take part alongside him.

Robin Campbell, who found himself in hospital after coming off his bike in Templeton, had been planning to rake part in Sunday’s event with his brother-in-law, 10 times Ironman Mike Evans.

But Mike, 49, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour after taking part in Ironman Wales last September and is now sadly not well enough to compete.

Following complicated surgery attempting to remove most of the tumour, Mike is receiving treatment, including chemotherapy at Velindre Cancer Centre.

Mid-way through his first concentrated six-month cycle of chemotherapy, dad-of-two Mike, a South Wales Police officer, took part in the Long Course Weekend, successfully completing the 2.4-mile swim, the 112-mile bike ride and 26-mile marathon run on Sunday. He received a real heroes welcome when he crossed the red carpet finish in Tudor Square.

Among the first to congratulate him was Robin, 33, whose Long Course Weekend journey sadly came to a catastrophic end on lap two of the 112-mile bike course.

Inspired by Mike to take part in the event, Robin, a civil engineer who constructs flood schemes, crashed off his bike in Templeton.

A large number of spectators, including local MP Simon Hart, went to Robin’s aid and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“I fractured my skull and had my face glued back together, but otherwise I was okay aside from grazes and cuts and the like.”

Mike has recently suffered a brain swelling which has caused him to have to withdraw from Ironman Wales as he awaits an operation, but his cause will be out in force in Tenby.

Robin is one of a team of six members of Team Evsy taking part in Ironman Wales to raise money for Mike’s cause.

Robin hasn’t been able to get back on his bike until three weeks ago.

“Honestly I’m pretty nervous, mainly because I want to do my best for Mike. Fingers crossed for the weather!” he said.

Anyone who would like to donate sponsorship to Mike’s appeal, can do so online via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamevsy