A swimmer has raised ?650 for charity by swimming the equivalent of the English Channel in the National Sports Centre pool in Douglas. Janet Shewring, of Onchan, took up the Channel Swim Challenge, co-ordinated by the NSC, in September in aid of the Aspire charity to motivate herself to get fit and swim regularly. Pauline Glennon, NSC swimming co-ordinator, said: ‘Aspire is a UK charity providing practical help to people who have been paralysed by spinal injury. Several people took the forms but only Janet completed the challenge, as far as we are aware. All the distances she swam were verified by NSC attendants, who are happy to do this for anyone aiming for a target, sponsored or not. ‘Initially not a regular swimmer, Janet started swimming up to three times a week, often doing 100 lengths at a time. She actually completed 1,416 lengths of the NSC’s 25 metre pool three weeks ahead of the Swim the Channel Challenge’s December deadline.’ Janet said: ‘I know there are a few people who have suffered spinal injury who swim and that was the motivation I needed. It proved very challenging and rewarding. I always feel full of energy and refreshed after swimming and I am very pleased to have lost two and a half stones since taking up the challenge in September.’ Janet is pictured presenting the sponsorship she raised to NSC leisure attendant Mark Snell (left) and NSC Duty officer Wayne Duggan. The NSC offers various swimming sessions for the public to participate in, including lane swimming, leisure pool with exciting water features, and aqua aerobics. There is also a comprehensive swimming lesson programme for children of all abilities. For details plus swimming pool opening times contact NSC reception by phone on 688588 or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NSCIsleofMan . - The NSC is open during the Christmas holidays except 24-26 December and 1 January. - Ends -