A MADCAP challenge to stand up to cancer by standing under water for ten hours has raised more than £750.

Martin McGlown, 42, donned his swimming shorts and a snorkel and submerged himself in the deep end of Colchester Leisure World’s training pool at 5am.

Apart from occasional breaks to warm up, he remained there until 3pm, cheered on by staff, family and friends.

Mr McGlown, of Richmond Road, Colchester, is head of patient liaison at Cancer Research UK and says he has seen too many lives taken too soon by cancer.

The challenge was part of the nationwide Stand Up To Cancer initiative.

Mr McGlown said: “It was far harder – and colder – than I had imagined, but staff and swimmers at Leisure World kept giving me encouragement and that kept me going.

“I’m enormously grateful to everyone who sponsored me, as well as those who sent messages of support.

I’m glad I did it, but equally glad it’s over and done with.”

To support the charity, visit www.justgiving.com/Martin-McGlown1