I am swimming the Solent on Saturday 2nd September 2017 from Hurst Point on the mainland to Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, "without water wings".

At 1.3 miles its not the longest swim in the world, (further than I've ever swam in open water), but its treacherous currents and tidal race makes it challenging. Now even a Great White Shark has been spotted in the Solent ! (Note to self, must swim faster).

Over the years like many people, we have suffered from the highs and lows of life. Many years on since the death of our daughter Jessica it still affects my wife Hayley and myself daily, but having the support from family and friends, it makes it possible to move in a forward direction. You never get over losing a child but just learn to deal with it better. Talking is good. Keeping active is good.

There are so many people who need to speak to others in times of crisis, but don't have family or friends to do this. For this reason one of the charities I am swimming for is the Samaritans. In times of desperation when you need a chat, they are a phone call away. They listen and help you move forward, and make you see there is always light of the end of the tunnel and that you are not alone.

We are also lucky to be able to occupy our minds with sport. In the last 15 years we have raised over £ 25,000 for children's cancer charities, running the New Forest & London Marathons and the Great North & Great South runs. Keeping active is important. Local sports and community facilities wherever you live play a major part in peoples mental and physical wellbeing, so for this reason I am also supporting the West Wight Sports and Leisure centre on the Isle of Wight, which needs funding to stay open. They are also organising the swim, making it possible for me to take on this challenge.

Donations will be split between the two.