Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Please take a minute to read this on why I'm attempting my 5k Swimming Challenge.

In a nutshell:

Eight years ago I dislocated my neck and shattered two vertebra whilst playing Rugby League. After a bleak initial prognosis, I have managed to get back onto my feet and can walk with the aid of crutches. Swimming has been a big part of my rehab and I'm at the stage now were I feel strong enough to challenge myself again physically.

The challenge will be to swim 200 lengths or 5 kilometers of a 25 metre pool in three hours or under. 

If the swim goes well, then I will attempt a 10k one later in the year.

Who am I doing it for and why:

Rugby League Cares

From day one of my accident Rugby League Cares (Try Assist Benevolent Fund) has provided support and funds to help me get through a very difficult time. 

There are many more players who the fund have assisted and unfortunatley, there could be many more. So It's important that the funds and support are there waiting for anybody who should need them. Without the support that RL Cares has provided me with I don't know what I would have done.

Steve Prescott Foundation

Whatever amount I raise it will be split down the middle.

Last year, Steve Prescott sadly passed away after battling a rare form of stomach cancer for seven years.

I first met Steve two years after my accident when he joined me on a one mile charity walk I was doing. He inspired me in many ways because he was fighter and wasn't prepared to give up. When I felt down I would think of Steve and what he was going through and it gave me a kick up the arse I needed.

After that I joined Steve on some of his challenges and witnessed first-hand what he put himself through in the aid of others. Steve pushed himself to the limits to raise funds and awareness for the Christie Charity which strives for a future without cancer.

I guess almost everyone, at some point, has been affected by this most horrible of diseases, I lost my father to cancer in 2005. By forming the Steve Prescott Foundation, Steve did a hell of a lot for the Christe Charity and RL Cares, he would want his legacy to live on.

And it is, there are many other people doing there bit for both charites.

This is mine,  I hope you can help, every little bit counts.

Pete Stephenson.