TWO hardy fundraisers are planning to take the plunge in a charity stunt sure to send shivers down your spine.

Noel Barry and John McKeown will be leaping off Swanage pier and swimming in the sea in freezing temperatures on Boxing Day.

The warm-hearted friends hope their dip will raise hundreds of pounds for paralysed Rachel Coxon's wheelchair appeal.

Noel, who lives next door to the disabled 31-year-old, in Ashley Terrace, Salisbury, is keen to help Rachel buy a chin-controlled wheelchair that will revolutionise her life.

"She's a lovely girl and I wanted to do my bit to help her," he said.

"I wouldn't describe myself as a keen swimmer - in fact I'm not sporty at all, but I thought it was a different way to spend Boxing Day."

Because of the freezing sea temperature, the pair sought medical advice and were told they could only spend a few minutes in the icy water.

"It looks like it's going to be a really cold day - we think it might be about minus four," added Noel.

"We won't be in there long - just enough time to prove we did it."

The airport engineer has already raised about £800, thanks to colleagues at Gatwick and Heathrow, but he hopes to collect more money when he returns to his local, the Kings Arms, in Fisherton Street, for a warming drink after the stunt.

"Everyone thinks we're mad for doing it - but then, people who know me say I'm always doing crazy things," he said.

"It will be very cold but we're doing it to help Rachel buy her wheelchair and we hope people will give us lots of support."