AN ARTHRITIS sufferer made a splash for charity as he swam the equivalent of the English Channel.
Dan Kerr swam 1,352 lengths at Virgin Active in Blythe Valley Park (equivalent to the 21miles across the channel) and raised more than £737 for Arthritis Research UK.
Since his diagnosis three years ago of arthritis in both of his knees the 29-year-old has completed a number of challenges including the Three Peaks, the Yorkshire Peaks and a wolf run.
The dad of two said this was a real tough challenge for him but he was so proud he had completed it as it was in memory of his uncle who had suffered from the condition since he was six years old.
Dan completed the challenge in 13 hours and 16 minutes.
He said: “For me to be diagnosed with this at 27 was a scary thought and one that took me by surprise. My experience with the condition so far is that some days it doesn’t bother me at all but others it can be painful to get out of bed and walk.
“Since 2015 I have thrown myself at any challenge that has come my way almost to prove that there is nothing wrong, raising money for various charities along the way but not necessarily ones that I feel impact me.
“The best form of exercise for me though is swimming. It is low impact on the body but hard going which brings me to my latest challenge.
“Unfortunately the amount of money and preparation that it costs to swim the channel is immense so my challenge was to swim the distance of the channel which is 21 miles in a regular pool.”
For more or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dan-kerr
