A former soldier who is paralysed down his right side is going to swim the mile between West Pier and Palace Pier to raise money for St Dunstan's.

Matthew Rhodes, 30, of Tor Road, Peacehaven, lost full mobility and half his vision in a motorbike accident in Germany shortly after serving in Bosnia almost ten years ago.

But the Devonshire and Dorset recruit is determined to swim between the two landmarks with just the use of his left arm on July 30 to raise money for St Dunstan's, which supports blind people from the forces.

Mr Rhodes is married to Michelle, 36. He has stepchildren aged 13 and nine and a two-year-old daughter.

He said he was very grateful for the support he received from St Dunstan's in Ovingdean, Brighton, and went there to swim five times a week.

He said: "In the street people look at you but at St Dunstan's you're treated as normal."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Rhodes should send a cheque payable to St Dunstan's, and write "Matthew Rhodes" on the back, to St Dunstan'shead office, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD.