A MAN who was left paralysed down one side by a stroke is to attempt a marathon swim to thank the air ambulance charity that saved his life.

Jon Williams, 61, was taking part in an orienteering competition in March 2005 when he suffered a seizure.

The retired teacher had taken up a new role with the Cleveland Orienteering Club and was coaching youngsters in the sport when he collapsed and fell into deep heather on the moors.

He said: "Fortunately, my cries were heard and I was whisked off to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. If it was not for the ambulance crew I would have been a goner."

Mr Williams spent four months in hospital following his stroke and has gradually built up his stamina sufficiently over the last year for his sponsored swim in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance.

He plans to cover 32 lengths of the pool at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, near Stockton, on June 28 - despite only having the use of his right leg and right arm.

He said: "This is my way of paying the air ambulance back and saying thank you.

"It's been hard work and I have had to teach myself to swim in a straight line, but I am confident I will do it."

Mr Williams also paid tribute to his wife, Shelley, saying: "I could not have made the recovery I have without her support. She has pushed me all the way."

To sponsor Mr Williams, email jonandshelleywilliams@hotmail.co.uk