A FORMER Worcester Warriors rugby player has completed a test run for his gruelling swim of the English Channel.

Alex Grove is swimming the channel this summer to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The 32 year-old spent 11 hours in a Worcester pool to prepare for the challenge, clocking up a staggering 1,334 lengths.

Mr Grove said: “It was great to complete the distance.

"I’m fully aware that the real swim will be significantly harder due to the wind, the tides and the waves, not to mention the cold water, the jellyfish and the likelihood of swimming for hours in the darkness.

“But, from a psychological point of view, it was pleasing to complete the distance. It was made a lot easier with the support of the David Lloyd members who contributed to the fundraising but particularly by the support of some familiar faces from the Warriors alongside me in the pool who joined me for the last couple of hours.”

READ MORE: Former Worcester Warriors player Alex Grove to swim the English Channel for charity

He was joined in the pool by Warriors’ official player ambassador for Acorns Niall Annett and men’s captain GJ van Velze and ladies back row Taz Bricknell, who all swam with him for a few lengths. The superhuman effort saw his fund raising total cross the £13,000 mark.

Mel Hall, area fundraiser for Acorns, said: “We are all in complete awe of what Alex has achieved here. To swim for 11 hours straight is incredible.

“It’s only thanks to people like Alex who go that extra mile that we are able to continue to be there for the children and families who need us.”

Mr Grove will embark on his challenge on August 1, swimming from Dover to Cap Gris Nez in France. For more information, go to his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/alex-channel-swim

This Saturday (February 15) will see Warriors turn out for a charity matchday against Acorns. For more information, go to www.acorns.org.uk/warriors-matchday, call 01564 825023 or email events@acorns.org.uk