11:44am Tuesday 18th December 2007
A swimmer who has helped give thousands of children confidence in the water is turning his attention to helping soldiers injured in combat.
Paul Smith, owner of the Brighton Swimming School, plans to swim around the Palace Pier in Brighton on Christmas day to raise money for the charity Help For Heroes.
It is hoping to raise £1.5 million to improve rehabilitation facilities at Headley Court in Epsom, Surrey, for servicemen injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 42-year-old, who has run the swimming school from Roedean and St Mary's Hall School in Brighton for 20 years, plans to set off half an hour before scores of swimmers brave the four-degree temperatures off Brighton seafront on Christmas day.
Mr Smith, who takes a dip in the sea most mornings, will have to battle strong tides to swim the three-quarters of a mile to reach his goal.
He decided to embark on his plan after reading a story about injured soldiers.
He said: "They were taken to a public swimming pool because there were no facilities for them elsewhere. But they were forced to leave because someone complained about them being there.
"Swimming is so good for you. You get to be weightless and can work every muscle in the body. If you're trying to recover from something like that it's essential."
Pupils at his 700-strong swim school will hold a sponsored swim in the new year to support the charity.
To sponsor Paul, send cheques made payable to Brighton Swimming School to Swimhouse, 2 Gordon Mews, Gordon Close, Portslade, BN41 1HU.
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