A MEMBER of the RAF will swim around 15 miles to Bewdley to help raise money and awareness for a children’s charity.

Tim Starkey, who is from Bewdley, will swim from Bridgnorth to his hometown along the River Severn on July 30.

The 26-year-old is taking on the challenge in a bid to collect funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which supports terminally ill children.

Tim, who has been in the RAF for more than four years, also hopes his efforts will increase the charity’s profile.

He said: “I am swimming from Bridgnorth to Bewdley, which is approximately 15 miles down the River Severn. It will be quite a challenge but I wanted to do something for terminally ill children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“I try to do regular charity events as a way of giving back to causes that help so many people.

“I’ve known about the work of Make-A-Wish for some time and I think it’s a great cause and something that I’m passionate about.

“I will be starting at Bridgnorth bridge and ending at Bewdley bridge so hopefully can get a few people there to cheer me on as I finish this somewhat crazy task I’ve set myself.

“If people could kindly donate a little to help me, it would greatly be appreciated.”

Anyone wishing to support Tim can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/Timothy-Starkey1