WORCESTERSHIRE man, Fred Roberts, knows what it feels like to swim the English Channel.

Mr Roberts, aged 58, has just completed a Swim 22 challenge to raise funds the UK’s leading diabetes charity, Diabetes UK, because he has diabetes himself.

Mr Roberts swam 22 miles, which is the equivalent to the width of the English Channel, by completing lengths in a swimming pool over the course of 12 weeks, and on Monday May 18 he quite aptly finished off the last stretch in the English Channel itself.

Mr Roberts said: "Swim 22 has made a massive difference to my health and diabetes control, so much so that I’m already planning my next swim challenge to keep me focused and fit."

Initially he wanted to raise £500, however he has successfully managed to triple this amount thanks to supportive friends, family and work colleagues. The impressive £1,500 total also includes a £200 donation from the National Express Employee Charity Panel which supports the company’s employees in their own charitable work.

Mr Roberts was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996.

He said: “Thanks to the National Express Employee Charity Panel and all of my friends, family and colleagues who have donated so generously to help me smash my target and raise funds for Diabetes UK. If anybody would like to make any further donations they can do so on my page www.justgiving.com/fred-roberts22 until 22 June.”