Following successful swims around Manhattan last year, Rosie and I decided to take on the big one and swim solo across the English Channel. The training, the stress, the constant threat of failure and, ultimately, landing in France after swimming for 15hrs in July was without doubt the most all consuming and awesome experience.

It's now time celebrate our achievement and, more importantly, to raise some money for Multiple Sclerosis (www.mstrust.co.uk) and Motor Neurone Disease (www.scotmnd.org.uk). The Sportsman's Charity will receive and distribute the money raised equally to each of these charities. Whether or not you can make it, please dig deep (we did) as both these causes are close to our hearts.

If you can make it, we look forward welcoming you from 7.30pm to Midnight on SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER at the Ye White Hart pub in Barnes on the corner of The Terraces and White Hart Lane. We have hired out the function suite upstairs overlooking the river. There will be a few nibbles (but not enough to constitute a full dinner), music and a private bar... the rest is up to you! We look forward to seeing you there...

Thanks for your support, Mark Rosenberg (AKA Rosie) & James Scott