My name is Mark Ryan and at the age of 60 I will swim to the Isle of Wight and then hike from Salisbury to Winchester within 48 hours (Friday July 15 and Sunday July 17). Everyone says I must be mad but I'm on a mission! 

The inspiration for what I'm the calling the Hampshire Double are the brave people whose lives are initially devastated by strokes but who summon the courage to fight their way back so positively.

I once moved in to help care for one such man when I was young and never forgot his humour in the face of adversity. I have another friend now showing similar determination and humour to deal with his stroke and I just feel the urge to help in any way possible . 

Please help fund research and ongoing care for amazing people whose lives get turned upside down but never give up. Please support my effort because I'm not sure this double challenge has ever been attempted before!