A CALL handler will be taking off his headset and putting on his goggles to swim across the channel for charity.

Paul Sawyer, who works in the force control room from Essex Police, is raising money for Aspire - a spinal cord injury charity - after his colleague was left paralysed.

He will be part of a relay team taking on the 21 mile challenge across the English Channel.

Mr Sawyer's colleague, Paula Craig MBE, was knocked off her bike and left paralysed.

With the help of Aspire, she has gone on to compete in the London Marathon becoming the first female to complete the course as a runner and then a wheelchair athlete.

Paul will also be doing the swim in memory of his great great Grandfather Albert William Edwards, who was killed in action during the First World War.

He said: "It’s a privilege to raise money for such a good cause and doing so in honour of a colleague and my late great-grandfather is even better.

"The swim will be a challenge but I’ve been training hard for it. I really hope I can reach my target as the money will buy support and medical equipment which can help people in need.”

To sponsor Paul click here.