Former Recorder editor Colin Grainger took the plunge at Romford’s Central Park Leisure Centre yesterday to raise funds for the Toy Appeal.

Newham Recorder: Recorder staff Steve Poston, Gary Bird,, Colin Grainger and Pat Coughtrey before their 1984 swimRecorder staff Steve Poston, Gary Bird,, Colin Grainger and Pat Coughtrey before their 1984 swim (Image: Colin Grainger)

Colin, who is a Community Links ambassador, has been swimming for toys for 38 years, and has raised around £11,700 for the appeal over that time.

“The first 10 to 15 lengths were fine, being completed in about 20-30 mintues, but then it started to get tougher,” said Colin, 60.

“My next target was to reach 25 lengths and I managed that, but then a bit of cramp made life a little harder.”

He pushed through to complete his 50 lengths in just under two hours - but if you thought he’d take a well-earned rest after, you’d be wrong.

Newham Recorder: Colin and his children James and Angela and Recorder staff and youngsters in a 1987 swimColin and his children James and Angela and Recorder staff and youngsters in a 1987 swim (Image: Colin Grainger)

“I had just the three hours to rest up before my Sunday evening ten-pin bowling league match,” he said.

“But it was well worth it.”

If you want to add to Colin’s sponsorship and help turn money into toys, you can drop off donations at either the Recorder’s office or at Community Links’ Canning Town base.