Rockin’ dad in the swim

Already renowned as a bit of a ‘daredevil’, Jon Hodgson, 39, from Riverside Approach, is gearing up to make a splash in the Great North Swim across Lake Windermere on Saturday 23rd June - in make-up.

We last met Jon in 2010 after he completed the challenge of a lifetime after climbing three of the UK’s highest peaks and posing in a Borat-style mankini at the top of each.

This time, he’ll be completing his sensational swim with his face painted as Gene Simmons, from the heavy-metal glam-rock legends Kiss.

Once again, Jon will be pushing himself to the limit to raise money for Sense, the national deafblind charity and to raise awareness of Usher Syndrome, which his 15-year-old son Jack suffers from.

The rare genetic condition means that Jack was born severely deaf and is gradually losing his sight as he gets older.

“A friend dared me to swim in make-up like rock group Kiss and since I am trying to raise £500, I will do it for sponsorship,” said Jon. “Jack will be carrying the Olympic torch a few days later so hopefully that will keep me inspired in the water for the mile. It’ll be an exciting few days!”

Jon continued: “Despite the issues that Usher Syndrome causes, Jack is an extremely able sportsman - he has even represents England in Judo.”

“However we are well aware that the time may come where he will need more specialist intervention. This is where Sense comes in. They provide support for people who are both deaf and blind, through a variety of means.”

He added: “I appreciate times are tough but every penny really does count.”

Jack’s mum Nicky Hodgson said: “Jon loves to keep doing these mad things to raise money and awareness for the charity.”

“He’s been doing a lot of swimming and training and working really hard.”

She added: “We’re all inspired by Jack - he has such a lot of get up and go for what he does and for Sense and his energy is contagious.”

l Sense still has places available in the one mile swim. To join Jon you can contact Vicky at events@sense.org.uk or call 0845 127 0063 before 8th June.

l To sponsor Jon visit www.justgiving.com/Jon-Hodgson0