Kildare fundraiser Matt Browne is in training to jet-ski across the Irish Sea on one leg to raise funds for the Rehab Foundation.
Mr Browne (50), who had a limb amputated five years ago, took to the water yesterday for his first training session under the guidance of marine co-ordinator Matt Reid.
Mr Browne and his team of nine got to grips with their jet- skis at Howth Yacht Club. They have been training for the 250 mile round trip in the gym for the past few months.
"It's going to take four or five days. It really depends on the weather," he said.
"It's going to be tough. It's like going up a continuous hill, hitting the waves all the time and you have to know how to handle them. There are a lot of body movements. But if something happens we will have support boats on hand.
"If I have to wait until September I'll finish it. I won't be back in Howth until I do. I never back down on a challenge," he added.
Mr Browne has organised numerous fundraising events, including a 750-mile bus reverse around Ireland in 1998, the Thorny Rose contest - an alternative male Rose of Tralee - and the Kildare Person of the Year Awards.
The Jet-Ski Challenge 2005 team hope to set off on July 4th from the Howth Yacht Club.