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 .