A WILDLIFE-loving adventurer is hoping to splash into the record books this week when he attempts to become the first person to swim the length of the Thames.

Lewis Gordon Pugh will set off from the source of the river in Kemble and travel just over 200 miles to Southend, where the Thames meets the North Sea.

The 36-year-old lawyer is taking on the epic trip to raise awareness of climate change and to draw attention to an environmental campaign by the WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature).

He has already undertaken several endurance swims and recently became the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean. The Thames journey is expected to take 15 days from start to finish.

He said: "Climate change is not just affecting remote areas like the poles. It's here on our doorstep and I feel very strongly that it's time to do what I can to help raise awareness of the issues. I'm hoping my swim down the River Thames will bring the message home that we all have to do what we can to prevent this global catastrophe."

Since learning how to swim at 17-years-old, Lewis has ignored the dangers of sharks and polar bears and taken on winds and sea currents to see how far an athlete can push himself.

His unique ability to withstand cold and raise his body temperature in anticipation of a swim has intrigued many top sports scientists and earned him the nickname of 'The Polar Bear'.

More information about the swim and how to take action to help stop climate change is available by logging onto www.wwf.org.uk/thameschallenge