Twins used to conquering triathlons are taking on gruelling new challenges in a bid to raise awareness of a disease that killed their brother.

Claire Bloom and Lawrence Shafier, 50, who both represent Great Britain in the sport are hoping to encourage people to talk about motor neurone disease, which they lost their 38-year-old brother Russell to last year.

Mrs Bloom, of Buckhurst Hill High Road, said: “It’s a terrible, cruel illness. He was diagnosed in October 2011 and died in September last year, so it was not even a year.

“It was horrible for his children, who are six and eight.”

She represents the country in sprint triathlon, which involves swimming 750 metres, cycling 20 kilometres and running five.

But the fitness instructor, who works at David Lloyd gym in Chigwell, plans to double those distances when she takes part in the London Olympic length triathlon in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association later this month.

She said: “It’s my least favourite length and I’m dreading the 10 kilometre run the most.

“There are four laps on the course and a hill just before the finish line.”

Mr Shafier, who lives in Woodford Green, plans to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in September, also in aid of the charity and to raise more awareness.

He has been competing in triathlons for 10 years – longer than the three years his sister has been involved.

She said: “I only started triathlon because my husband said I wasn’t a very good swimmer.

“Lawrence was doing it for years before I came and stole his thunder.”

For more information on the Motor Neurone Disease Association, visit www.mndassociation.org.