Ok, so those of you that know me now, are aware that I'm not the skinny racing snake some of you may remember me as.
That is why the challenge I have decided to undertake is a big ask!
On 10 June, I will being taking part in the Great North Swim on Lake Windermere. For some reason I have decided to dive straight in (excuse the pun) and do the 5km 'race'. This is approximately 200 lengths, should take about 2 hours and is the equivalent of a half marathon in running terms.
Training is tough, and sight of money being pledged would be a great motivator as I enter the final week few sessions.

The 2 charities I will be raising money for are both very important to my family.

The 1st charity is one that helped my mum so much over the last year as she sadly lost her battle with cancer. The staff at the Beacon Centre in Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton were amazing while treating and caring for my mum, Janet. I was there during her last week and the way the staff cared for her, my dad and the whole family was wonderful. She spoke so warmly about the people there and I would love to give them a healthy donation to show my gratitude.

You may or may not know that my fantastic girlfriend and rock of 12 years, Ruth, suffers from multiple sclerosis. This incurable condition effects 100,000 people in the UK and has so many different symptoms. Wigan MS Therapy Centre is a brilliant place for sufferers to go to, for alternative treatments not included on the NHS. They provide aromatherapy, indian head massage and yoga, as well as a fully equipped gym, with machines specifically designed to help the disabled. Not only that, it is also a great place to relax and talk over tea and toast with other like minded people. Ruth is such a positive person, the biggest compliment I can give her is that I sometimes forget she has MS! But when times have been hard, the centre has always been there to support her.