In 1998, Karim Rostami arrived in New Zealand from Afghanistan as an asylum seeker.
He came with no family and spoke no English.
Coming from a land-locked country, learning to swim wasn't on the agenda.
Even less so after polio wiped out half the use of his legs. But a determined Karim has gone on to complete some awe-inspiring charity swims.
Yesterday when he swam from Waiheke Island to Auckland solo, all to raise funds for the Westpac Chopper.
So, what is it that drives him to keep fundraising for charity?
Karim Rostami spoke to The AM Show.
Watch the video.
