Britain's Olympic kayaking gold medallist Tim Brabants put himself up for hire at a Tri-for-Life combined charities' challenge, for which World Jewish Relief was a key beneficiary.

The mini-triathlon attracted 300 participants and 600 spectators to Dorney Lake, near Eton - a 2012 Olympic venue - for a test of swimming, cycling and running endurance.

Brabants also presented the winners with their medals, commenting: "It was refreshing to see so many charities working closely together for a common cause. I look forward to next year."

Tri-for-Life chairman Harvey Selby is a keen supporter of WJR, which will benefit by £20,000 from the proceeds. Another Jewish charity, the Employment Resource Centre, will receive £3,000 and the other beneficiaries are Rays of Sunshine, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Mr Selby said that "feedback from participants and spectators has been incredibly positive and we already have people signing up for 2009".