Dear all,

Some of you have run marathons... my contribution to the world of unlikely sporting achievements is that I am going to swim the English Channel. Well sort of. I am actually doing the equivilent together with a tough weight loss target for the next 20 weeks.

To reach the target, by the end of the challenge on 7th April 2014, I need to have a) swum the equivilent of 35km (22 miles) (not in one go, but culumlitively, and in the local pool rather than the sea) AND I have to have lost three stone off my starting weight which will be measured on 18/11/13.

Please be generous. Camp Simcha is an outstanding charity that provides incredible support services for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you in advance for all of your help - the rest is down to me!

Gavin