A LOCAL swimmer has raised £650 for charity by swimming the equivalent of the English Channel.

Janet Shewring from Onchan took up the Channel Swim Challenge at the NSC in Douglas.

She started the challenge in September to raise money for the charity Aspire and to get fit.

Pauline Glennon, the NSC's swimming coordinator, 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 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."

The NSC will be open over the Christmas season but will not be open between December 24 and 26 or on January 1.