As most of you reading this page will know, I was diagnosed with Crohns disease several years ago.

Crohns disease is a 'branch' of IBD, an illness that effects thousands of people up and down the UK.

As is the case with many chronic conditions, there is unfortunately no cure, there is however medication which when given, help elevate the symptoms (which include stomach pain on an unimaginable scale, extreme weight loss and low energy).

Fortunately I am on one such medication (Humira), and my life has been transformed in the two years or so that I have been on it, I have almost been totally symptom free.

My chosen charities mission statement is simple "to improve life for everyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - the main forms being Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis".

They do this by giving members cards that prevent suffers from having the embarrassment from having to ask businesses to use their toilet, provide local support groups, and of course continuing the research into the illness.

I like to consider myself a strong swimmer, being able to swim 2km in the pool without a struggle, however this is different.

Even tho air is likely to be warm, the water at Salford Quays will be only a few degrees (meaning a wet suit is required), and with a few currents, not like a swimming pool at all.

Therefore please dig deep and help me reach my goal of £500 for this very worthy charity.

Thank you.