I'm taking on the Aspire Channel Swim 2024, swimming the distance of the English Channel – 22 miles, over 12 weeks to raise money for Aspire. Every four hours someone is paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury and Aspire provides the essential equipment, advice and housing that spinal cord injured people need to live their lives independently. I have taken part in previous years simply because I enjoy swimming and it's a good cause - but this year is different.

Early this year one of my friends and former colleagues suffered a life-changing accident resulting in a high spinal cord injury and leaving him with a very long road to recovery. He's doing brilliantly but there's a way to go yet. He's a very determined man and was previously extremely fit and active, so I know he will get there, but I'd like to do what I can to support Aspire so that they can go on helping many others like him.

This is a big challenge, but the more I raise, the more of a difference I'll make, so please sponsor me and be generous!