A SPORTS broadcaster from Malvern will be taking the plunge this weekend to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Dan Pallett, a sports presenter with BBC Midlands Today, is more used to reporting on the athletic achievements of others, but on Sunday (September 14), he will join hundreds of swimmers in the River Dart.

He is taking on the challenge in memory of his father, Paul Pallett, who was supported by St Richard’s before his death in December last year.

Paul Pallett was well known in Malvern as a stalwart supporter of the town's football club, who served as chairman and as manager of the reserves. Malvern Town players held a minute's silence and wore back armbands at the first match following Mr Pallett's death.

Starting at Totnes, he will ten kilometers swim through the rolling hills of Devon and down the river's estuary to finish at the small waterside village of Dittisham.

Mr Pallett, aged 43, who used to work for the Malvern Gazette' sister paper the Worcester News, said; “My dad tackled his illness head-on and it inspired him into fundraising. I am now continuing this in his memory and decided to take on a long distance wild swim as he loved being in the water and swimming.

"I secured my place in March and that’s when the training really started. I thought I’d struggle with the early mornings but I’ve really enjoyed it – especially the open water training.

“But the distance does hold fears. The Dart 10k isn’t a race it’s just an incredible journey. Anything up to four hours in a rubber suit is enough for anyone.

“I’m so pleased to be supported St Richard’s. I talked to my dad about which charities to support with the swim and we both agreed that giving something back to St Richard’s was vital. My dad had motor neurone disease which put huge pressures on us all. The support we had from St Richard’s was superb throughout.

"This especially helped my Dad’s wife Jan who was with my Dad through every step. My family will be with me in Devon so it will be an uplifting and emotional day.”

Money raised will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, for research, and St Richard's Hospice. To make a donation, please visit virginmoneygiving.com/DanPallett.