Regular readers might remember that The Diary recently "competed" in the City of London Road Race, a mammoth task that involved a three-and-a-half mile run followed by a piss up – and God did we feel bad the next day.

Well, the people at Masons thought that they would go one or two (or maybe even three) steps better by taking part in the Aplastic Anaemia Trust's London to Paris triathlon a couple of weeks ago.

The triathlon is not for wimps. The 41-strong Masons team started the day braving Weil's Disease with a one kilometre swim in the Serpentine (who on earth would want to swim in the Serpentine?), followed by a 10km run around Hyde Park.

Then it was off to France (braving rabies no doubt) for a 100km cycle ride between Disneyland Paris and the village of Cour Palay and back again. And apparently this is a regular event.

In total the Masons team raised about £18,000 for the charity, which, one can agree, is pretty good going.

Not to be outdone, The Diary is planning a sponsored walk to the pub next week. If you want to make a donation, please contact the barman at Smiths of Smithfield.