A tough swimmer is preparing to brave the icy waters of Loch Lomond to raise cash for charity.

Ronnie Dodd, 31, from Glasgow, plans to swim the full 27-mile length of the loch on Saturday.

He is one of only a handful of swimmers to attempt the feat each year.

He said: “I thought I’d set myself a challenge that is pretty impossible.

“Initially it was a fitness challenge but then I decided to do it for charity.”

His efforts will raise cash for two good causes – Momentum and Spinal Injuries Scotland.

He chose these charities because they helped one of his friends recover from a life changing accident.

Two years ago, Gill Lindsay, 38, from Hamilton, fell from her loft and sustained a severe spinal injury which left her in a wheelchair.

Ronnie said: “It was the support and equipment from the charities that helped her get her life back on track.”

Although Gill remains in a wheelchair she can do many everyday activities, including driving a car.

She said: “I don’t know what I would have done without the charities.

“They played a huge part in my rehabilitation.

“I think it’s fantastic that Ronnie is doing.

“I’m really touched – it will make a huge difference to the charities.”

Momentum’s Assist programme is based at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital.

The service allows people with spinal injuries to access specially-adapted computers and other equipment.

Ronnie, a sales manager for The Great Outdoors magazine, hopes to complete the 27-mile swim in less than 18 hours.

He has spent the last year training five days a week for the challenge, doing two hours a day in both the gym and the swimming pool to build up his stamina.

His success on Saturday will depend largely on weather conditions.

Ronnie said: “I am planning to start on the South bank and finish on the North bank.

“But it depends which way the wind is blowing – it’s weather dependent.”

During the swim he will wear a wet suit donated by swim equipment company Aqua Sphere.

The suit is designed for triathletes and will help keep him warm.

He will be followed by a safety boat driven by his sister.

So far he has raised more than £500 in donations and is hoping to boost the figure before Saturday.

For more information visit www.justgiving.com/Ronnie-Dodd