PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Comedian David Walliams' hero status has been further cemented after he helped a pet Labrador while continuing his brave attempt to swim the length of the Thames.
The Little Britain star has battled chilly temperatures and an attack of "Thames tummy" so far in his formidable challenge to cover 140 miles in eight days.
With wife Lara Stone travelling in the support boat, he was spurred on in the latest leg of his incredible feat and today passed the 100 mile mark.
He has been cheered on by fans and celebrity pals throughout the journey. A beaming Walliams, 40, was greeted by fellow comic Miranda Hart on Saturday, who made him a messy bowl of porridge for breakfast.
The dog drama came as the TV star swam towards Cookham Lock in Berkshire, where Vinny the one-year-old Labrador was struggling to get out of the water due to a bad hip.
Walliams said: "I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet Labrador.
"I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out."
The animal's owner Steve Outten, 23, from High Wycombe, said: "Vinny has hip dysplasia and was really struggling to get out just as David was swimming past. He stopped, swam over and helped me get him out, which when you think what he's going through with the swim is totally amazing, what a man."
Despite concerns that the enormous task could be too much for Walliams, he said Saturday was a "great day" and that having wife Lara in the boat was "such a big boost".
So far he has raised more than £500,000 and BT is giving £40,000 a day to the fund.