Freedom of Derry for fundraising Ironman Danny Quigley

Danny Quigley completed 10 Ironman triathlons in 10 days in memory of his father Colm

A Londonderry man who completed 10 Ironman triathlons in 10 days is to be awarded the freedom of the city.

Danny Quigley completed the gruelling endurance test in August in memory of his father Colm.

His father, who died suddenly in March 2011, competed in triathlons for Ireland and was a member of the North West Triathlon Club.

Mr Quigley has now raised more than £100,000 for health and wellbeing organisations.

He told BBC Radio Foyle the accolade had left him "speechless".

Beginning on August 20, Mr Quigley, who is a fitness instructor, completed his challenge every day for 10 consecutive days - swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles each day.

His marathon effort, he said, "was never about me".

"It was about my dad, and then it was to help get people talking [about mental health] and spreading awareness. Everyone says they think dad would be proud, I think he would be buzzing".

Mr Quigley said since it was announced he was to be granted the freedom of the city he has been inundated by friends asking when he will "be taking his sheep across the Peace bridge".

At a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council on Thursday, a motion proposed by Sinn Féin's Christopher Jackson calling for the honour to be bestowed on Mr Quigley passed unanimously.

Other notable recipients of the honour include John Hume, Sir Winston Churchill, former Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops Edward Daly and James Mehaffey and treble-winning Derry City football boss Jim McLaughlin.

Over his 10-day challenge people from across the city and district joined Mr Quigley for sections of his challenges, with others lining routes to cheer him on.

'Incredible feat'

Mr Jackson said: "Danny Quigley's incredible feat of 10 Ironman races in 10 consecutive days caught the imagination of all of us".

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane and DUP councillor Graham Warke said Mr Quigley "has brought a city together" and said it was something "that was very much needed during such a difficult period".

The BBC Action Line has details of organisations offering information and support if you, or someone you know, has been affected by mental health issues.