The UCLan swimming team are aiming to do something really special this week by swimming the distance of the channel in under an hour in a combined effort.

The channel is 22 miles long, which means the team will be swimming 1400 lengths between them in their training pool in Blackburn.

Each member of the team will be doing their part by swimming two miles each, which is the equivalent of 64 lengths each.    

The UCLan swimmers are looking to raise money for the Derians House Childrens Hospice. The hospice looks after terminally ill children, in providing as much medical care as possible as well as giving the children much fun and laughter.

There is very little help from the government in terms of aid for hospices like Derians House. Therefore they are very reliant on voluntary funding.

You can do your bit and sponsor the swimming team by logging onto: http://www.justgiving.com/uclanchannelswim.

All donations small and large are welcome as every penny helps in what is a fantastic cause.

Captain John Crossley is delighted that his team are taking part in the event.

He said: “It is such a worthwhile cause that we are taking part in. As a team we are always willing to put something back into the community and we feel this is a great way of doing so.

“It is going to be a big effort from the team and is a challenge we are relishing. We will be giving 110 per cent in ensuring we complete our target.

“We have raised just over £100 at the moment but we are looking to raise a lot more. 

“As a captain I am very proud of the team and I am more than happy to help organise the event.”