A MAN from Calne, who says swimming has saved his life, will tackle the icy cold waters of Lake Windermere to raise money for a children's charity on what would have been his son's 21st birthday.

David Stevens, 44, of New Croft Road, is raising money for Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children who are fighting life threatening conditions, in memory of his son Tylor, who died three years ago after suffering from a stroke.

The 18.08km swim along the Cumbrian lake was originally planned for last year, but when Mr Stevens was struck by bronchitis in February, he decided to do more than 700 lengths in a swimming pool instead, and now he has set his sights on September 7.

"Losing a child is awful and the worst thing that can happen to you," Mr Stevens said. "Our world was completely turned upside down and our daughter Leah, who is now 18, was only 14 when she lost her brother but she needs to see her parents deal with life as best as we can.

"I know how special memories become when you lose a child. Those memories are the things that get you through the bad times and if I can help provide good memories to others then I will."

Since starting open water swimming at Lake 32 in the Cotswolds in November, the plumbing and heating engineer has braced temperatures as low at 2.1 degrees twice a week, taught himself front crawl and raised more than £5,000.

Mr Stevens also swam a route along Weymouth Bay on July 10, where a bench has been erected in memory of Tylor to prepare for the big challenge ahead.

"I have said that swimming has saved me a few times," Mr Stevens added. "I originally learned to swim when I was younger because I always said I wouldn't want to be stood on the sidelines if someone was drowning but swimming has given a scaffold around my life.

"Grief is a horrible, horrible thing but swimming has got me out there at 5.30am watching the mist roll down from the hills and the sunrises in the morning. This will be a special moment for me because this is a birthday present to Tylor."

To follow the swim or to donate visit A Swim to Remember on Facebook or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Stevens13.