A fundraiser from Clapton-in-Gordano is hoping to realise his childhood dream by swimming the English Channel.

North Somerset Times: Rob Russell who is preparing to swim the channel for Children's Hospice South West.Rob Russell who is preparing to swim the channel for Children's Hospice South West. (Image: Archant)

Rob Russell has been training in Marine Lake at Clevedon and in the sea at Budleigh Salterton, ready to take on the challenge later this month.

Rob, aged 48, is raising money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) with the swim, which he is hoping to complete in the shortest distance of 21 miles.

He said: “It has been a dream since childhood and is costing a small fortune, but all the money raised will go to CHSW and not the cost of this event, which is being paid for by myself.”

Swimmers are not allowed to wear wetsuits when swimming the channel and the average time to complete the feat is 13 hours.

Kylie Gallagher, community fundraiser at CHSW, said: “Rob has supported CHSW in the past by taking part in a variety of fundraising events, however, this challenge is on another level.

“I’m sure the local community will join us in wishing him the very best of luck and I have no doubt he will achieve his life-long goal.”

To sponsor Rob, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobRussell