RAISING money for good causes runs in the blood of Andy Nation. He first put himself out to benefit charity more than three decades ago and one marathon effort got him into The Guinness Book of Records. Along with two other Welwyn Round Table members, in

RAISING money for good causes runs in the blood of Andy Nation.

He first put himself out to benefit charity more than three decades ago and one marathon effort got him into The Guinness Book of Records.

Along with two other Welwyn Round Table members, in 1992 they took just under five days to travel to the European Union's then 12 capital cities, breaking the record by over two days.

Last year, Andy took on the daunting task of swimming a 147-mile stretch of the River Thames.

During the stint, he swallowed mouthfuls of water when he was swamped by the wash from a passing boat and was laid up sick for a couple of days and each day of the swim was chilled to the bone but he raised more than £20,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

"I was the focal point of a team working together to make the event a success," said the modest 56-year-old from Knebworth.

"Without the water escorts, road team and administration team, the event would not have gone ahead."

He added: "I am just an ordinary person who did something special.