TWO brave swimmers showed they had plenty of Christmas spirit when they leapt into the sea to raise money for paralysed Rachel Coxon's wheelchair appeal.

Noel Barry and John McKeown plunged into the English Channel at Swanage on Boxing Day and swam for about five minutes in the chilly water.

Their festive fundraising frolics made £2,004 for Ms Coxon's campaign, which means that at last she has enough money to buy the chin-controlled wheelchair of her dreams.

"It was very cold but we kept on thinking, 'We are doing this for Rachel'," said Mr McKeown.

"We just ran in, because it was too cold for any messing about. There was quite a crowd gathered on the beach - they thought we were pretty mad but it gave it a good atmosphere."

Mr Barry, a plant operator who lives next door to Ms Coxon, in Ashley Terrace, Salisbury, had planned to help the 31-year-old since the Journal launched her wheelchair campaign last October.

"She's a lovely girl and I wanted to do my bit," he said. "The idea of swimming in the sea just came to us in the pub one night."

After the pair returned from their swim, regulars in the Deacon's Alms and Kings Arms pubs, in Fisherton Street, rallied round to boost their total.

"It was brilliant," said Mr Keown. "Everyone was very generous and the landlords really helped out."

With added sponsorship from Mr McKeown's employer, CDL, and Mr Barry's company, Amec, the icy-cold swim made the perfect start to Ms Coxon's year.

"I was absolutely amazed when they came round to tell me the amount," she said. "I don't know how people can be that mad but that kind.

"This means I'll definitely have enough money for the chair I need now."

Ms Coxon has not walked since she was 15, when she was struck down by a mystery virus that doctors believe was caused by an insect bite.

As her condition deteriorated, she lost her remaining mobility and is now paralysed from the neck down.

For the past few years, Ms Coxon has dreamed of being able to move independently, with the help of a special chin-controlled wheelchair that kind-hearted Journal readers and Salisbury companies have helped her to buy.

Last month, the Portman building society donated £250 towards the campaign and Lucy Hendry, of the Trussell Trust, which is organising the appeal, said the response from individuals had been overwhelming.

"The dream is becoming a reality and it will be a joyous day for Rachel when she gets her chair," she said.

"The model she needs could cost as much as £10,000 and any extra money people have donated will go towards insurance and maintenance costs, which will be significant and ongoing."

Ms Coxon is now waiting for an assessment to determine which chair best suits her needs, and looks forward to making her own way round Salisbury in the spring.