A man born with Downs Syndrome has completed an incredible swimming challenge and raised thousands for the Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Ned Taylor-Clague, age 23, from Tilehurst, completed the challenge to raise funds for the hospice that cared for his beloved grandfather at the end of his life.

Mr Taylor-Clague completed his challenge of 500 lengths at the swimming pool at Truro College in Cornwall.

Through his “big swim,” Ned has raised more than £3000 for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

Along with Down’s Syndrome, Mr Taylor-Clague was born with a congenital heart condition that has required numerous heart operations.

He is currently awaiting his next open-heart surgery which is taking place within the coming months.

Mr Taylor-Clague has also battled a long road to recovery after breaking his elbows in two consecutive summers, which has resulted in him having titanium plates put into both arms.

He was inspired to take on this challenge after his grandfather, with whom he was incredibly close, was cared for at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice over the summer of 2022.

As a child, Mr Taylor-Clague struggled with his speech, and his grandpa took a Makaton signing course so that he could communicate with him before his speech developed.

Mr Taylor-Clague said: “I needed to do it for him and for all my family and to help other families. It has helped me to know I have done something for Gramps.

“He was the best. And the Duchess of Kent Hospice is an amazing place. I am so happy I could help.”

Speaking about his “big swim,” he said he felt “Happy, amazed, and overwhelmed” to have finished his challenge.

When asked his thoughts on how much money he had raised, he replied: “I can’t believe it! People have been so kind.”

All of the funds raised by Mr Taylor-Clague will go directly to the hospice, where the team provides palliative care for those at the end of their lives.

Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice Hannah Richards said: “At Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, we are so incredibly proud of Ned.

“To swim 500 lengths is no mean feat but having just had a heart operation earlier this year with another one in the coming months, is a real achievement.

“Ned is a true inspiration to all and we are so grateful to him for his donation, which will allow our nurses to care for those in their final days.”