A Crewe company is backing a triathlete who is training for an international triathlon event after he overcame Covid.

Ryan Morris, 31, has qualified to represent Great Britain in the Challenge Championships in Slovakia next May when he will compete against the world's super-fit in a long distance swim, cycle and run.

Ryan, from Shavington, worked as a personal trainer until the pandemic hit his business. He is now training to become an electrician at Cheshire College South & West in Crewe.

He recovered from Covid, taking several months away from fitness training, before getting back to strength and qualifying for the Championships at an event in Malta this summer, where he finished third in his age category.

He trains for up to 15 hours a week and also has his sights set on qualifying for the Ironman World Championships next autumn.

Now Mornflake, which is a long-standing sponsor of the UK Triathlon series, has chipped in towards his travel costs to Samrorin, Slovakia where he will compete against top triathletes in a 1.9k swim, 90k cycle and 21k run.

Triathlete Ryan is welcomed to Mornflake in Crewe by marketing manager Iain Lavelle.

He said: "The pandemic hit my personal training business and then my health. I've pushed myself for months to qualify for the Challenge Championships, but the rising cost of living has really made it hard for me to partake in the sport I love so I'm very grateful for the support from Mornflake which has helped towards my travel costs.

"I'm back to college to train as an electrician so this will really help."

The breakfast firm, based on Gresty Road, is well known for its support of sport in the community, backing children's football sides as well as Crewe Alexandra as shirt sponsor for many years.

Marketing manager Iain Lavelle said: "The pandemic took its toll on so many people and we were impressed with Ryan's determination to succeed and move on after the difficulties he faced.

"We wish him the very best with his training and next year's challenge."

Ryan is also reaching out to other local businesses who can support him with services particularly a firm of physiotherapists. He can be contacted on 07838 765785 or email [email protected]