I am aware some of you may already know why I would want to support a Charity that provides practical help to those who have been paralysed. But for those who don't, I had a big OFF on the motorbike some 4 years ago now, the result of which was 5 broken vertebrae. 

I was extremely lucky to essentially walk away from it, even if that was some time later. Others, however, have not been so fortunate. 

So why swim the Solent? As a Portsmouth undergraduate, I always wanted to give the Solent Swim a go, to the point where my brother and I even considered an illicit swim at night! But fortunately, common sense prevailed and after a quick chat with a family friend, I discovered the Aspire Solent Swim. This provided a great opportunity to complete both the challenge and raise funds for a Charity I have had direct experience with. Oh and of course avoid a stint in HM Kingston.

So please do donate, which through Just Giving, goes straight to Aspire and will help benefit those paralysed with a spinal cord injury in the following ways:

• Aspire Grants for specialist equipment.
• Specialist housing with full accessibility. 
• Rehabilitation for improved sensory and muscle control.
• Independent Living Advisor; whom provide advice and guidance to patients.