WATCH: Crawley man defies rejection to complete ‘Tree-Athlon’ at Tilgate Park

Paul Matten, 61 from Furnace Green completed a 1.5km swim in the ice-cold water of Tilgate lake while towing a 50 kg tree log.

This was followed by a 40km cycle around the lake while carrying the log on his back and then finishing by running 10km around the lake with the log.

Paul was supported by his wife, Sue throughout his record-breaking attempt.

The couple contacted the Guinness World Records on three occasions this year to formally get the record acknowledged, but the organisation did not feel it ticked enough boxes to qualify and so turned Paul’s attempt down each time.

See more: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust launches new website to support patients, families and carers, Crawley-based mouth and foot painting artist gets festive for ‘International Day of Disabled Persons’, Crawley man achieves Community Partnership Award for 27 years of service to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Paul said: “So happy to have beaten Ross Edgley's triathlon record. The tree log represents global deforestation and I have collected tree seeds in order to plant more trees for generations to come.”