A FOOTBALL correspondent braved the cold waters of the River Tyne yesterday to honour a bet and raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

In 2010, The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter promised to swim the river if Newcastle United committed long-term to manager Alan Pardew.

After Pardew recently signed an eight-year contract, Winter agreed to fulfil his wager and take the plunge.

As he emerged from the river he was greeted with a Newcastle United towel, courtesy of the club.

Winter said: “I’m fresh and frozen – it was cold. The first two thirds were a doddle and I thought this is okay, a nice gentle paddle across the Tyne.

“But then suddenly the current hit and it was like the fast lane of the motorway.

“I could actually feel myself being dragged along, and I was fortunate to have an experienced swimmer alongside me in Tony Greener.”

The writer added: “In fact, at one point I think I grabbed Tony’s toe.”

The Northern Echo: dfg

He swam from Newcastle City Marina to the pontoon at Royal Naval Reserve training unit HMS Calliope on the Gateshead bank.

He added: “It’s really been fun. The reaction to my daft bet and this swim shows what a football-mad city this is.

“Everyone has rallied round to help and that’s a sign of the depth of feeling for Sir Bobby and the great work funded through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

The Tyne is a dangerous tidal river and the swim was made possible with support from HMS Calliope, NE1 Ltd and Port of Tyne.

Winter was helped by experienced swimmer Mr Greener, from North Shields, organiser of the annual Tyne Ten- Mile River Swim and, after his chilly dip, headed off to more familiar surroundings to cover Newcastle United v Manchester United.

Newcastle manager Pardew said: “Henry, you’re a man of your word and I like that – congratulations.

“What’s more, well done for raising money to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“It’s a superb charity that’s close to all our hearts here at Newcastle United and across the North-East, so a big thank you for that.”