In June 2013, Andy was diagnosed with a tumour in his spinal cord. Despite a successful 17 hour operation to remove it, complications arose and Andy developed pneumonia and sepsis which was nearly fatal. Andy was left paralysed but has had to learn to speak, eat and breathe unaided. Despite these developments, he continues to suffer with chronic pain down the right-hand side of his body with even the slightest touch causing fire-like pain.

It’s been a tough journey, but Andy’s family have worked hard to improve the quality of Andy’s life. Their next task is to raise enough money to buy a special riser-recliner massage chair which will dramatically reduce Andy’s pain, and increase his blood flow. It is through GL1 that they hope to achieve this goal.

6 members of Andy’s family will be taking part in the Aspire Channel Swim challenge in order to raise enough money to get Andy the treatment he needs. They will be using the facilities at GL1 to swim a massive 22 miles in 12 weeks – that’s 1416 lengths! They started the challenge in September and have so far completed over 13 miles. Andy’s wife Charlotte says ‘We chose the Aspire Channel Swim because I love swimming and because Aspire have worked with us in the past to support Andy through their welfare officers.’

We are delighted to support Andy and his family in this challenge and wish them the best of luck!

Track their progress at www.blaggersblog.com

Donate to the cause at www.gofundme.com/Blaggy