The event in Poole was organised to raise money for Clark's charity 'Chairs for Champions' as well as to fund his dream of competing in the London 2012 Paralympics.

The former lifeguard and London 2012 Olympic contender was paralysed after he dived into a wave at Sandbanks Beach in Dorset in July and hit his head on a rock, shattering his C5 vertebra and fracturing C6 and C7.

It was feared he would never move from the neck down, but Clark has made a remarkable recovery to the point where he is swimming again and he even appeared in the pool at the charity event.

Clark's aunt Allyson Rogers told insideworldparasport: "The whole event went very well and it was fantastic to have so many supporters there, especially Darren Kenny, one of Dorset's most decorated sportsman and six-time Paralympic gold medallist in cycling.

"Ben is just so overwhelmed with the support [which has included a visit from his hero, Australian Formula One racer Mark Webber] and this will really help his journey I'm sure.

"We would like to include our heartfelt thanks to everyone who got involved, not least the swimmers, but also many others who helped in the lead up to the event and on the day.

"We have another sponsored swim to come at Plymouth Leander Swimming Club, which Ben was a member of until he departed for Australia last September [for elite swimming coaching].

"The whole of the club are participating, so we are hoping for another fantastic event on November 19."

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