I'm not a natural swimmer...

1981 - 23 metres, doggy paddle, school swimming gala, came 7th out of 8

2011 - 66 metres, my furthest continuous swim after two years of lessons

2012 - 1500 metres?

That's 1500 metres non-stop, in the sea, wearing a wet suit and battling against wind, tides, and my better judgement

My brother set the challenge and so I've practised in pools, joined a triathlon club, and now train in a (bitterly cold) lake.

I'm in 1 of 3 teams alongside my brother Ironman Ali, Matt 'Pecs' French, Geezer, Kayak Kayackie, my cousin's ever patient boyfriend Liam, my sister-in-law Pimms o'clock Debbie, Flasher Mackin, and the Silver Bullet, my dad Nick.

We're entered in the Bournemouth Triathlon on Sunday, 8th July, and I'm in one of the swimming legs. So if you prefer you could say you're sponsoring/supporting any or all of us.

My wife, Debbie, works for Macmillan and the money raised will help them continue the fantastic care and support they provide for people with cancer.

So no matter how much you give, be it big or small, THANK YOU