In 2007 i was hit with possibly the hardest challenge in my life, i was hit with a rare condition called Transverse Myelitis which basically paralysed me from the chest down. I wont bore you with all the details (there is a lot to go over) but I spent just over 4 months learning how to walk and getting back to a level of fitness that would allow me to live a 'normal' life again....i was very lucky!! However i couldnt have done this without the fantastic care i received at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital's Neuro Rehab Ward.

The Neuro Ward supported me every step of the way, supplied me with the best medical care and advise, gave me daily physio and probably best of all cared and supported me emotionally through one of the hardest times of my life. They were amazing, brilliant people all the way through from the consultants, through to the physios and the nurses and dont ever ask for anything back. I owe them a lot to the way they looked after me and this is why i am doing what i am doing.

I feel that now my recovery has got to a decent stage and i am confident to help that it is time to start to pay back some of that support and get working to see if i can raise as much as possible to give the ward some money to help others that have similar expriences to me. I havent been able to find any challenge that would be right for me until last year when i heard out about the Great British Swims, they are outdoor swims of a mile in lakes, rivers, quays etc that people compete in and raise cash for charities. As i am passionate about my swimming I will be competing in the Great Manchester Swim which will be my first outdoor swim and i am hoping to do the mile in a time of around 30 minutes.

If you have any spare cash that you feel you can spare then please dig deep and donate towards my swim. I know times are tough and everyone is always asking for money for this and that but this is a charity very close to my heart and i would be so proud to be able to say i have raised something for the staff to help others in need.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and thankyou for donating.

Chris x