Deal businessman Frank Chambers, 57, is taking part in his first swimathon in 17 years in a bid to raise £500 for the Diagrama Foundation.

Frank, whose business Inhalytic specialises in inhaler testing, set himself the 5k swim challenge after hearing about the work of Diagrama at a networking event.

Diagrama is currently transforming its home in Orpington to a Montessori-led environment and Frank hopes to raise funds for Diagrama to buy new equipment for the activity room.

Frank, who has been training for several hours every week at The Tides leisure centre in Deal and Ramsgate Leisure Centre said: “I was looking to set myself a goal and wanted to help a charity in the process, but I wanted it to be one that I felt connected to.

“Diagrama is the nominated charity of one of my regular business network group 4Networking so I became aware of the great work they do with vulnerable children and adults across the county. The charity doesn’t yet receive a great deal of support from fundraising yet so I wanted to do what I can to help make a difference and support this campaign.”

The charity’s Chief Executive David McGuire said: “We are so grateful to Frank for his efforts. We have recently trained all our staff in Montessori practice after we could see from just a small trial how significant the impact of this style of learning was for our residents. It will be incredible to be able to offer them a fully-equipped multi-sensory room to develop their skills in.”

Frank will take part in the swimathon at The Stour Centre Ashford on March 31 and is appealing for local businesses to support him. Donations can be made via his JustGiving page.