Hunted star completes 'ultimate eco-triathlon'

Jordan Wylie's journey spanned almost 1,864 miles (3,000 km) from Pisa to Blackpool

A former star of Channel 4's Hunted has completed the "ultimate eco-triathlon" on a homemade wooden bike and a raft made from plastic bottles.

Ex-soldier Jordan Wylie set off from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy before finishing at Blackpool Tower on Friday.

Mr Wylie said the expedition was dedicated to the memory of Blackpool boy Jordan Banks, who was struck by lightning while playing football.

"It makes me really proud, most importantly for little Jordan. That's why we did this, that's what it's all about," he said.

Mr Wylie standing in front of a memorial wall honouring Jordan Banks

The journey, which spanned almost 1,864 miles (3,000 km) saw him travel from Pisa to the Eiffel Tower in Paris on a wooden bike, nicknamed Special Branch by social media users.

He then sailed from Calais to Dover on a raft made from plastic bottles, before running and cycling to Blackpool.

"It was about trying to promote sustainability and seeing if we could do a little bit more for the planet," he said.

"I got knocked off my bike in Paris, nothing too serious though.

"The bike has done a great job, it's all coppiced wood. I saw many people on bikes worth tens of thousands of pounds with punctures and all sorts of problems."

The former soldier has held the position of national ambassador for the Army Cadets for the last six years

Twenty five per cent of the Tower Power’s funds have gone towards a memorial wall in Blackpool, in honour of Jordan, who died while playing in the town in 2021.

"What a legacy for the little man, most people go a full life and don't have that kind of impact on a community, to have that sort of legacy at nine years old, what a job he's done," Mr Wylie said.

"He's inspiring people all across the world, everyone knows Jordan Banks I promise you, certainly anyone on the route from Pisa to Blackpool."

Mr Wylie said a portion of the funds also went to the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK.

"The cadets are amazing, they are the nation's best kept secret," he added.

"They are incredible young people trying to make a difference in their communities."