A RETIRED police officer is marking his ninetieth birthday in a rather unusual fashion.

To celebrate reaching the milestone, Bill Marlow will be undertaking a giant swim in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The idea for the swim came after Bill, who flew Wellington Bombers in the RAF during the war, marked his 84th birthday by swimming 84 lengths.

He proclaimed afterwards he would do the same again if he ever reached 90.

On August 4 Bill, who lives in Rutland Avenue, Knuzden with his 81-year-old wife Bessie, will be taking to the water at the DW Sports Fitness Club in Blackburn.

He has already raised £600 in sponsorship, and is hoping to beat the £1250 he raised six years ago.

Bill said: “It’s a charity I’ve had close to my heart for sometime, they deserve it, it’s something I don’t think I could do.

“I could do most things in life, I’ve been in the airforce during the war, but I don’t think I could do what Macmillan nurses do, tending to someone during the end of their life.”

Macmillan fundraising manager Seb Farrell said: “People like Bill really make you smile. To celebrate any birthday so selflessly is one thing, to celebrate such a special birthday in such a way is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Bill is so determined and passionate about raising money to ensure that nobody locally faces cancer alone. He’s an inspiration.”

To support Bill, donate using the sponsorship forms at the club itself or TEXT ‘BBSS90 £5’ to 70070 or visit Bill’s new justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/billsbigswim.