THE amazing disabled swimmer who used to plunge into the lake-like Flashes at Haydock around 1950 has been identified for us.

I learn that the lad, who had only one arm and one leg, was Dennis Leach. His widow, Beryl, has now kindly written in about her courageous hubby, who lost both limbs in a childhood rail accident.

Reader Brian Cook had first contacted me about the fearless swimmer last October.

He remembered him clearly from his own youth, but had no idea what his name was.

Now, Beryl from Greenwell Road, Haydock, writes in to thank Brian for his memories. Her late hubby, she says, was a wonderful man who enjoyed life to the full.

Sadly, he died in August 1996 after a massive heart attack.

“He was my hero,” says Beryl, “and was so lucky to have many good friends He was loveable, laid-back and never, ever complained of his disability. And it never got in his way“

Despite his injuries, Dennis went to Mansfield College and became a joiner. “He loved working with wood and his joy was in making windows, doors and the rest,” says Beryl..

He worked at Armory Bank, Ashton until ill-health forced his retirement at the age of 50.

Beryl married Dennis in 1977. “We went on to have two lovely daughters... one a social worker the other a nurse at Whiston,” she adds, “We also have four beautiful grandchildren.” They are aged two to eight and Dennis would have loved them.

The eldest takes after his grandad in his love of swimming, fishing, playing darts and cracking jokes.

“Thank you, on Dennis’s behalf , for he would have loved the mention of past happy times, like those at the Flashes.” she says. “Myself and my daughters were proud of him, and most of all, we respected him.”