A SWIMMER is set to swim 21 miles across the English Channel to raise money for an Essex based charity.

James Cliff, 43, from Mayland will be swimming along the cold English Channel in the world’s busiest shipping lane from Dover to France for Havens Hospices.

He has already raised more than £4,000 for the charity and hopes to raise much more by completing this challenge.

Next week, on Wednesday, August 16 he will be taking the plunge and starting the swim which has always been his dream.

He started training for this moment three years ago when he turned 40.

The swim could take anything between 13 to 20 hours to complete and although the distance is 21 miles, James could swim more depending on the tides and weather.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Brave- James CliffBrave- James Cliff (Image: James Cliff)

He will also have to navigate large ships in the world’s busiest shipping lane and jellyfish.

He said: “When I first signed up, it didn’t feel real. Then when it was six months to go it felt doable, and I was training well.

“Now I’m anxious to get going and a bit worried about the magnitude of the challenge. I just need to jump in now, 20 seconds of bravery and then hours of one arm in front of the other, all for a great cause.”

Living in Mayland, he swims regularly in the sea as part of his training.

He said: “I have been training for two years, and I swim most days out in the sea. I have swum long swims in the summer and cold five-degree swims in the winter, so cold that you can only be in for a short while.

“This year, I have swum lots of six and seven-hour swims and a ‘hell weekend’ of seven and six hours back to back.

“You always worry if you have done enough but I'm trying to remember to trust the process. I have also learnt from others who have managed this crazy challenge.”

Inspired by the work they do for the community, James chose to raise money for Havens Hospice.

The hospice provides specialist care and support for people of all ages who are living with incurable conditions and their families, either within the home or at its two hospices, Little Havens and Fair Havens.

The charity must raise more than £124,000 a week to be there for everybody who needs them and thanks to fundraisers like James’ the care provided is absolutely free of charge.

He visited the children’s hospice, Little Havens in Benfleet and said: “It’s truly a wonderful place, I saw first-hand the wonderful facilities they provide to children and their families in need. It has given me the motivation to keep going even when I want to give up.”

To support James with a donation to Havens Hospices, please visit his JustGiving page, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-cliff-ecs.