It was quite an achievement swimming the English Channel for the spinal cord injury charity, Aspire. I now feel fit and proud. And, certificate in hand, able to brag.

But what I'm not telling everyone is that I completed the 22 mile swim in my local pool - over a two-month period.

Though the pool wasn't exactly ice-cold or full of creatures and vessels to dodge, it did take some determination to complete the 1,408 lengths.

Aspire organises an annual channel swim in November-December. Anyone can join in. To sign up visit www.aspire.org.uk