Thousands of swimmers across the country have been trying to swim the channel to raise money for the Aspire centre.
The Aspire Channel Swim challenge, from September to December, called on people from all over the UK to swim the length of the channel in their local swimming pools. Over 3,000 people are taking part in the 2011 event.
Those taking part attempt to swim 22 miles over the course of the 12 weeks to raise money for the centre for people with spinal injuries, in Stanmore, Harrow.
Jill Robinson, a swimmer who took part in the challenge in 2010, said: “I think I spent more of the time in the water than on dry land and smelt of chlorine. But I swam thinking of all the money being raised to help those who can’t just jump in pool and swim the channel.”
Another previous participant, Helen Jukes, said: “There are not many swimming events out there and this one allows you to tailor it to suit you. You can choose what time of day you swim, how many days a week and how quickly you want to achieve your channel crossing.”
The annual challenge has been taking part for 13 years, and this year is being supported by Zoggs UK.
Aspire offers practical support to the 40,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK, so that they can lead fulfilled and independent lives in their homes, with their families, in work places and in leisure time.