At or around the end of July 2012, I will join the Otters relay team to cross the Channel for Aspire www.aspire.org.uk.

My original fundraising for Aspire was back in 2006, which involved swimming 22 miles (the equivalent of the Channel) in my local pool.

Then in 2011 I was fortunate enough to join the mighty Marlins team www.justgiving.com/teams/aspiremarlins. Despite a spirited battle with the elements, the coast of France was to elude us. Now in 2012 I hope to finally complete my 'Everest'.

Competition was tough to qualify for this year's Aspire challenge - swimming remains my only form of exercise and is a real passion.

In 2012 I am fortunate enough to be swimming with the Aspire Otters http://www.justgiving.com/teams/aspireotters. Each of six team members will take turns to swim for one hour, with the overall number of swims determined by the distance covered. The length of the swim can, as was the case in 2011, be significantly affected by tidal and weather conditions.

A nickname of 'cold' Pete was also well earned last year - sea training in Dover at the beginning of May, June and July (together with other cold-water conditioning) should hopefully help the preparation.

Whatever the hardship, it cannot be as difficult as for the average of four people a day who sustain a spinal cord injury and are told they may never walk again.

Aspire is there to support their home, personal and working lives but like all charities it needs donations.

Your contribution will help those trying to build or maintain a level of independence in their lives that many of us take for granted.

JustGiving donations go straight to Aspire and together we can make a real difference to their lives, so please give generously.