Hello, I’m Kevin Murphy – a 59-year-old grandfather of two and ITN radio news reporter – and Trinny and Susannah believe I am a perfect specimen of the ‘Great British Body’! You can read about it here: http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/GreatBritishBody/default.html.
 
This came as a surprise to me (and to my wife) but it offers me a great chance to raise some money for an important cause: multiple sclerosis (MS). As a cub reporter some 30 years ago I interviewed a woman severely affected by MS and her courage, dignity and determination have stayed with me throughout my life.
 
I also have two friends who suffer now from MS.
 
It is a devastating condition that affects your nervous system and it is the single biggest cause of disability in under-40s. Physiotherapy can make a big difference to people with MS and as the Great British Body I would like to raise money to pay for specialist ‘neuro-physiotherapy’ services.
 
My fundraising initiative is straightforward. I am going to swim the Channel for the 35th time! I should explain that I am ‘King of the English Channel’, holding the record of 34 crossings, and I will be making my 35th attempt in late July or early August, depending on the weather. This is 40 years since my first ever crossing and I am delighted to be able to mark this anniversary by raising money for the MS Society.
 
Please do support me. This is a fantastic cause and I want to raise as much money as I can for all those people out there who are battling MS day in, day out.
 
Kevin.

P.S my swim will take place in September. Due to the need for the right weather conditions I cannot name a specific date at present. Watch this space!

Corporate sponsors, or anyone who would like to learn more about Kevin’s swim should contact Lee Dainty at the MS Society on 020 8438 0733 or ldainty@mssociety.org.uk