A FORMER Worcester Warriors player has had to postpone his charity swim of the English Channel due to bad weather, but is still going to attempt to complete his challenge this week.

Alex Grove was due to set out on Saturday (August 1) but bad weather meant he has had to postpone the swim to later this week.

Mr Grove is swimming the channel to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice, which provides vital support to children and their families battling complex and serious medical conditions.

On Saturday, he updated his supporters, saying: "Conditions not great today/Saturday.

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"They’re due to improve throughout Sunday and I could be setting off around 10 o’clock on Sunday night.

"Forecasts are changing a lot so we’ll have a better idea in the morning."

A short time later, he announced he would instead be setting off on Thursday this week (August 6).

Mr Grove has raised more than £20,000 for the hospice, who he decided to support having carried out community work with them during his time playing for the Warriors.

The ex-Scotland international said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve had so far. The swim could take anywhere between 13 to 16 hours and that’s going to be really bleak at times. So having that backing is something I can draw upon when things get a bit ugly and the last thing I want to do is keep going.

“It’s a long way from Worcester but I couldn’t really afford to leave it any later. I was reluctant to push this swim back another 12 months. It’s just a case of getting it done and being as best prepared as possible.”

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Mel Hall, Area Fundraiser for Acorns, said: “The commitment and determination Alex has shown in the face of so many unexpected challenges as he prepares for this incredible feat is nothing short of remarkable. He is a true inspiration.

“On behalf of everyone at Acorns, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Alex and wish him the best of luck. We’ll all be cheering him on as he swims to victory.”

To sponsor Alex for his English Channel swim visit his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-channel-swim

To find out how you can support Acorns as it continues to care for some of the most vulnerable children and families in the community, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/together