John Mather is set to take the plunge and swim the entire length of Ullswater to celebrate the flood recovery of the Lake District and raise funds to keep local swimming facilities afloat.

The 61-year-old, of Thursby, near Carlisle, is no stranger to open water swimming having already swam the length of several other waters in the national park and he’s aiming to swim them all.

When it came to his next challenge, the 7.25 miles stretch of Ullswater from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, John decided he wanted to give something back to a local cause and is raising money for Wigton Baths Trust.

“I despair with swimming pools having to close because of financial issues. Swimming is for anyone, whether your five, 50 or 90,” he said. “They’re always keen for extra donations and I thought it’s my way of giving back to swimming. I love swimming. I’ve done it all my life.”

John, a part-time employee at Capita, started his swimming saga two years ago and has completed Brothers Water, Loweswater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Coniston Water, Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater.

This year he’s hoping to complete all the bodies of water the Lake District has to offer. He is set to take on Windermere over the course of a weekend in the autumn before writing a book about his experience.

He said: “I want to celebrate the lakes, say what good times they’ve had, describe their beauty but also the fragility. There are issues. There’s a bit of vandalism and not everyone understands. I know there are issues with eels and otters. I’m fascinated by the history of the area as well.”

He’s also trying to show how to take on open water swimming correctly and safely.

Despite his experience, Ullswater is his biggest challenge to date and John is not underestimating what is ahead of him. He trains at The Pools in James Street, Carlisle, twice a week but has always been active, enjoying cross country skiing and walking.

“I take it slowly. I don’t want to crash out. I’ve done some with friends but they’re starting to drift off as the swims are getting longer,” he said. “I’ve got Windermere to do but Ullswater is the one which has been the most affected. I thought it’s an iconic lake, it’s nearer to home and it’s northern Lakes.”

Originally from Bury, north of Manchester, he was brought up in an area with a very strong swimming tradition. He learnt to swim in cold Victorian swimming pools, taught by ‘the old die-hards’ who he thinks instilled the love of swimming in him.

To support John and donate to Wigton Baths Trust text JMUS16 and the amount to 70070.