A Watford dad has donned his trunks and goggles in a bid to swim the equivalent of the English Channel for a spinal charity.

Jamie Parkins, 35, has been doing lengths at a swimming pool for two weeks as part of the fundraising drive for Aspire, which works with people who have suffered severe spinal injuries.

The dad-of-one from Norbury Avenue chose the charity after reading a book written by a man who recovered from a spinal damage.

Mr Parkins said he is currently fitting in as many laps as he can around his IT job in Paddington at a nearby leisure centre.

He has currently done a third of the 22-mile length and hopes to complete the rest in the next five weeks.

He said: “I am surprised at how far it is.

"When people walk it it’s not that far, but to swim 22 miles takes much longer.”

Mr Parkin is hoping this marathon swim will raise around £500 for the Stanmore-based charity.

For more info or to donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/swim-le-channel