A KIND-hearted Oldbury boy has swum the equivalent of the English Channel to raise more than £1,500 for Diabetes UK.

Joseph Arch, a pupil at Our Lady and St Huberts Catholic Primary School, was inspired to fundraise for the charity because his grandfather suffers from type 1 of the disease.

Proud dad Jonathan, of Moat Road, said his son had “doggedly” turned up at Langley Swimming Baths to clock up his 22 miles over 10 weeks.

Joseph, who was joined by more than 50 supporters, school pals and team mates from Old Halesonians Rugby Club for his final mile, hopes his final total will be almost £2,000, after donations from an online auction are received.

Sponsors included local and national businesses as well as Wasps and Worcester Warriors rugby clubs, and England rugby player Chris Pennell, who himself suffers from type 1 diabetes.

Mr Arch added: “Our thanks go to Joseph’s swimming instructor Brian Jesson, of Sandwell Leisure Trust, who has coached Joseph since he was two years old, all the staff at Langley Swimming Baths and everyone who sponsored him.”

The youngster was one of about 1,000 fundraisers nationally, who took up the charity’s challenge.