POSTSCRIPT

TOM GREGORY, now 41, went on to university and then Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, becoming an officer in the Royal Anglian Regiment and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He now works for the accountancy firm Deloitte. His record has never been broken, nor will it be — in November 2000 the Channel Swimming Association banned under-16s from attempting the crossing.

AdApted from A Boy In the Water, by tom Gregory, published by particular Books on August 30 at £14.99. to order a copy for £11.99 (offer valid to August 25), visitmailshop. co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640. p&p is free on orders over £15.