WHEN kind-hearted Neil Rowson heard about the difficulties facing those less fortunate than himself he was determined to make a difference and help out any way he could.

WHEN kind-hearted Neil Rowson heard about the difficulties facing those less fortunate than himself he was determined to make a difference and help out any way he could.

The 34-year-old, who has Down's Syndrome, was so inspired that he decided to complete a sponsored swim - despite only being able to go as far as one breath would take him before having to stop.

He was raising money for Ipswich-based Christian charity Tools with a Mission, which sends tools to countries in Africa so people can earn a living and support themselves.

Neil's parents, Elizabeth and Michael, are rightly proud of their son's achievement, which will be used to buy water tanks for two families.

Mrs Rowson said: “Neil was most impressed when he heard about the water tanks and wanted to do something to help.

“He couldn't believe that there were people in the world who did not have drinking water.

“He wanted to do something to raise money to buy a tank and one of the church wardens - Sue Potter - suggested he do something that people could sponsor him for.

“So he came up with the idea of a sponsored swim. He did swim before but he could only go as far as he could get on one breath.”

Neil, who lives with his parents in Heron Road, Saxmundham, heard about Tools with a Mission after they gave a talk at the town's St John the Baptist Church.

He managed to swim ten lengths for his challenge, which took him three separate sessions, and he raised �412 for Tools With a Mission.

Are you raising money for a good cause? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.