Entered into this weekend’s inaugural Port to Pub, Berry is using the long swim to raise money for those affect by violent crimes through Maylands-based charity angelhands.
“Angelhands works with victims of trauma,” he said.
“In WA, over a hundred people each year are murdered and providing a safe support place is part of what we do.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“There is always a need to try and grow the service and hopefully any money raised will go towards this.”
While he has loved swimming for years, Berry said the longest distance he had ever done before entering the race was 7km.
His most recent training run saw him finish 18km. Sunday’s event will be the first time he cracks the 20km mark.
Berry will join more than 100 other Port to Pub competitors in swimming from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island, following the route from the first Rottnest Channel crossing in 1956.
Port to Pub committee member Ceinwen Roberts said participants were taking advantage of increased opportunities to swim to Rottnest.
“This race is about giving more people more access to this iconic swim,” she said.
The event is on Saturday, starting at 6.20am.