TWO teachers swam the English Channel after being inspired by a friend with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Steve Marshall-Taylor and his colleague Graham Kennedy, who work at Brighton College, managed the colossal swim of approximately 21 miles from England to France in 13 hours and eight minutes.

Mr Marshall-Taylor, deputy head, and Mr Kennedy, a house master, set out at 3am on Sunday, and were fortunate with conditions for the best part of the swim.

They have raised more than £11,000 for the MND Association. They said their friend had been battling the disease with “incredible courage”.

They were accompanied by a crew from the Channel Swimming Association, who watched over them from a boat, called Rowena.

On their Justgiving page, they said: “We are two school teachers from Brighton inspired by an amazing friend and colleague who is facing the challenge of MND with incredible courage.”

They hit their target of £10,000 before even setting off.

So far, 247 people have donated.

A Twitter feed, Brighton Sea Dogs, was set up in January documenting their progress, and updates were posted during the swim along with pictures of them battling across the busy shipping channel.

Mr Marshall-Taylor and Mr Kennedy said they coped with the waters well at first but struggled later on in the swim.

As the team neared the French coast, they said the waves battered against them.

They added that the their friend and the thought of the cause they were swimming for got them through.

Their challenge was met with admiration and respect from people donating.

Linda Bolton, who donated £20 to their Justgiving page, said: “This is amazing Steve. It’s a charity I am more than happy to donate to as my father died as a result of MND so I am well aware of the challenges your friend faces.

“Thoughts and prayers with him.”

Another, Anne Taylor, who gave £50, said: “Very many congratulations to you both, Steve and Graham. An amazing achievement.”

The MND Association supports people suffering from the disease, and helps to fund and research more about MND.

The charity, which is the only national organisation for MND, raises awareness of the disease so that society can address the needs of MND sufferers.

To donate to Steve and Graham’s Channel fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/brightonseadogs.