Swimming against the tide to aid young Dan

MIRACLE man Peter Ellis, who battled back to health from the brink of death, is now fighting to help a disabled youngster from Hove. Peter, 48, still has a foot-long metal plate in his left leg and plates in both hips after a road smash in Lewes Road, Brighton, when he was driving a van. He stopped breathing and spent more than a week fighting for his life in intensive care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. But four years on he decided to test his strength and stamina by taking part in a sponsored swim in aid of autistic Hove youngster Daniel Huggett. Daniel's parents, Stephen and Julie, are raising money so the five-year-old can undergo dolphin therapy in Miami, Florida, later this year. The little boy was such an inspiration that Peter managed to complete 16 lengths of St Luke's Swimming Pool, Brighton. Peter, of Fitch Drive, Bevendean, said: "It wasn't easy, but I kept thinking I was doing something to help a young child." The 48-year-old and youngsters from St Joseph's School, Hollingdean, together raised about £500 through the swim. Another money-spinner for Daniel, a Half Monty strip event at The Palmeira, Cromwell Road, Hove, raised another £1,500. Julie said: "I'm delighted with the way everyone has rallied round." Daniel cannot speak, has severe learning difficulties and is still in nappies. But interaction with dolphins motivates people by rewarding them for their responses. Stephen and Julie now hope to reach their £5,000-£6,000 target after two more events this week. Donations can be sent to 11 Nutley Close, Hove BN3 8GU.