A swimmer from Worthing is helping to raise £500,000 for the ‘ASPIRE Channel Swim’ by completing the event in 24 hours at his local pool.

Chris Lewsley took part last year and is hoping to replicate his success again this year. Last year a fellow swimmer supported him, but he is completing the challenge alone this time. With the aim of swimming the 22-mile challenge in 24 hours he is directly replicating the real channel swim.

Commenting on this event Chris said, “I had to try something different, push myself a bit more, and with the fantastic support of my local pool The Worthing Aquarena I can't wait to do it this year.'

The UK’s largest sponsored swim called the ‘ASPIRE Channel Swim’, will see hundreds of swimmers taking part in the challenge supported by diet and fitness expert Rosemary Conley. Participants have 12 weeks to complete the 22-mile swim, either in teams or on their own.

In its eighth year, the event has proved to be a highly successful fund-raising activity for the charity. It not only raises awareness of spinal cord injuries but also encourages people of all ages to take the plunge and enjoy swimming.

ASPIRE's Jenny Page commented, 'The ASPIRE Channel Swim is the biggest fundraising event in the charity's calendar as it raises a substantial amount of urgently needed funding for people with spinal cord injuries. At the same time it gives the public the opportunity to participate in a really good challenge and to take responsibility for their own health as they get fitter and trimmer with each lap they swim.'

Any swimmers wishing to take up the challenge can also join the ASA’s online swimfit programme. For more information please visit www.swimfit.com

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