A BUSINESSMAN is set to swim part of the English Channel to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation.

The charity was launched in 2014 in memory of 19-year-old Tom, who died fighting an aggressive cancer in 2013, by his parents Richard and Nikki.

So far it has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help teenagers living with and fighting against cancer.

On Thursday, Tim Vallings, will form part of a relay team aiming to cross the channel.

He plans to complete his leg to raise money for the foundation.

He said: "I have only met Richard once and I was very touched by Tom's story and what he had been able to achieve before he died.

"In many ways, that is what I find most attractive about fundraising - that I am not emotionally invested in a charity."

Mr Vallings, 42, from Oxfordshire, added: "I always try to find charities which I am not connected to as I really don't like to put pressure on people to sponsor me but this is a really worthwhile cause."

Mr Bowdidge, from West Bergholt, said: "We see this sort of kindness from people like Tim every day - it's humbling.

"I can only thank him for what he is doing."

Mr Vallings' crossing, which is dependent on the weather, will be his second in the last few years.

To sponsor him, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimVallings.