Christopher (25) has already swum 22 miles, a feat which took over 13 hours, and he hopes to notch up the remaining 22 miles in Cascades pool tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

The swim is in aid of Aspire, a charity which carries out research and supports those with spinal injuries, and Portadown Swimming Club.

Christopher is hoping to raise £1,000 from his marathon attempt, which is the equivalent of a mind-boggling 2,184 lengths of the Portadown pool.

The front crawl is the Portadown man’s stroke of choice, with a switch to the back stroke every 50 to 60 lengths to break the monotony.

Christopher, who coaches the Teletots group in the Swimming Club, has always been a keen swimmer, but he relaxed his competing and training while he studied for a Sports Science degree at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

Now he is back in training with a vengeance. He said, “I’ve really enjoyed being back in training and although I only started in October this year, I’m confident that I’ll complete the swim this weekend. If I do well, then I’ll start training for the Belfast Marathon next May.”

Myra Wilson, manager of Cascades Leisure Centre, said, “I’m delighted that Christopher has taken it upon himself to attempt such a difficult feat and that he has shown such enthusiasm for sport in general. All our staff maintain their fitness but this is really exemplary.”

Anyone who would like to support Christopher, should call in to Cascades Leisure Centre or go along to cheer him on this Saturday or Sunday. He will be swimming on Saturday between 8.30am and 5pm and on Sunday from 12.30-3.30.