An Ellesmere Port dad will be doing a monster swim across Loch Ness with his friend to say thank you to the hospital that saved his  life.

Richard Jackson and Angie Coles, from Little Sutton, are  bravely swimming the cold open  water in the famous lake where  Nessie lives this Saturday, August 17 to raise money for the  Skin4life charity.

Skin4Life was set up by Richard, wife Judith and friends  in 2009 to support The Christie  Hospital for saving his life in  2007.

Richard was diagnosed with  terminal malignant melanoma  – skin cancer – in 2006 and was  under the care of Dr Paul Lorigan at the Manchester hospital.

He was put on a drug trial and  miraculously has been cancer  free for six years.

Richard, 45, said: “After a  course of standard chemotherapy, which had little effect, I was  selected to try a trial drug.

“Despite being seriously ill  due to the effects of the treatment, the drug had a miraculous effect and I have been living  cancer free for six years.

“I still have regular check ups  at the hospital and my passion to  raise much needed funds for  research is still as strong as  ever.

“Every penny donated makes  a huge difference to the melanoma team and their constant  work to improve treatments.”

Loch Ness holds more fresh  water than all of the other lakes  in Great Britain combined.

It is 280m deep and the cold  water temperature doesn’t rise  above 10C.

There are two categories in the  Monster swim – the Big Yin  which is a mile-long course, or  the Wee Nessie of half a mile.

Richard and Angie are taking  on the Big Yin.

Angie, 48, mum-of four, added:  “We came up with the idea over  a glass of wine in November.

“Both of us are fairly strong  swimmers, but have never done  any open water swimming.

“We have both been training  hard and have purchased wet  suits ready for the challenge.

“Not even the freezing loch  temperatures, or the threat of  coming face to face with the  legendary monster can dampen  our spirits!”

The pair have so far raised  £310 and want to raise as much  as possible.

Richard, dad-of-two, said: “A  huge thank you to Angie for  training so hard and encouraging me to take part in this  challenge. I wouldn’t have done  it without her.

“I look forward to sharing a  wee dram with her after the  swim to toast our success, and  maybe plan our next adventure.”

Skin4Life has raised more  than £40,000 since it was set up.

To donate, visit Richard and  Angie’s fundraising page at  www.justgiving.com/Richard-Jackson26 .