TOUCHED by the plight of a family of Syrian refugees, a Corbridge man has braved the icy depths of the English Channel.

Leman Harris swam the Solent, from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, to raise funds for a Syrian family of six.

He was joined in the 4.5-mile endurance swim by old schoolfriends Derrick Yap and Chris Bond.

The idea to raise money for the family, who cannot be named for security reasons, came from security consultant Chris who met them whilst working in Amman, in Jordan.

Leman said: “Chris offered his help and support by stopping his simple extravagances, like eating out and drinking, using the saved funds to provide shelter and opportunity for this family to survive.

“This family have nothing left but their own clothes. Life as they knew it has been ripped from them, but we can make a difference.”

Determined to help the family further, the trio of friends decided to ‘Swim for Syria’ and raise more money themselves.

So last month they embarked on a sponsored swim from Southampton to the Isle of Wight.

During the course of the journey across the busy shipping route the swimmers became accustomed to stopping for ferries, but were surprised to find a Naval destroyer taking ‘evasive action’ after spotting them in the water.

Leman, a member of OneLife Triathalon Club, said: “There was a certain irony and sadness when we came ashore at the Isle of Wight, as we were greeted by family, friends and supporters with hot cups of tea, food and warm dry clothes.

“That’s not at all what Syrians are currently facing every day of the week as they arrive in unknown lands.

“It is a tragic state of affairs in Syria and we hope that our simple gesture to ‘Swim for Syria’ will inspire others to help.

“Every penny raised will go towards the family’s food and water. They literally cannot afford anything except a temporary shelter over their heads in the Jordanian winter.”

The trio have so far raised £880 of their £3,000 target. For more information visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/chris-bond-2