Ryan Leighton enjoys summit meeting with Richard Branson

Ryan Leighton found himself in the company of Richard Branson when he completed the Virgin Strive triathlon challenge with a broken hand earlier this month, raising £3,600 for youth charity Big Change.

The CEO of regional optical chain Leightons travelled to Sicily for the event, which included a coastal swim, mountain bike climb, half-marathon and hike up an active volcano.

A top 10 finish in the swim on the first day was a confidence boost, he said, but a climb up and along The Peloritani Ridge on day two was much tougher.

Leighton said: ‘We started our cycle from the sea at Cape Peloro and the first part was all uphill on various secondary, paved roads with very little traffic. By about 11.45am we had reached the start the off-road part, where I saw the first person go straight over the handle bars within 10 metres of starting!