CLAIRE Bennett is celebrating overcoming anaemia by taking on a mile-long swim in July.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Abbey Meads, has secured a place in the Henley Mile event through organisation This Girl Can, which looks to inspire women to take on sporting challenges.

Claire will be swimming the stretch of the River Thames, near Henley-on-Thames, on Sunday, July 12.

In 2013, she was struck down by anaemia as she planned to compete in another open water event.

Claire, who runs pre-school music classes, said: “My preparations were going really well, but sadly, I became really unwell and psychically, I was left totally drained, so I had to put a stop to everything.”

Thankfully, Claire’s health has improved and she will soon begin training for the feat.

She will be one of eight women, selected by This Girl Can, taking on the swim.

“This is something that I have always wanted to do, I love the idea of doing open water swimming,” Claire said.

“I think the swimmers have been picked because they all have inspirational stories and can talk about the previous challenges they’ve faced.

“This Girl Can is trying to use this event as a way of increasing women’s participation in sport and I’m just hopeful we might inspire a few.”

During her preparations Claire will be writing a blog about how her training is going along with her thoughts about taking on the Henley Mile.

Claire has yet to meet the other swimmers, who are based all around the country, but they have been on contact on Facebook and plan to meet in Henley-on-Thames, before the swim, to size-up their challenge.

On the day of the event, Claire’s husband Andrew, will be cheering her on along with children Katie, 19, Eleanor, 19, Ewan, 16, and Matthew, 13.

“They are all being very supportive. Although, they all think I’m insane for doing it,” Claire said.

“A few years ago I was given a copy of the book Wild Swim by Kate Rew. and was completely captivated by it. The idea of swimming in open water just really appealed to me but I lacked the confidence to give it a go.

“The team at Henley Swim and the This Girl Can initiative has spurred me into action I look forward to completing my first open water swim and hope that it will be the first of many.”

The Henley Mile is part of the Henley Swim event, first started in 2004, which sees participants swim the Henley Regatta course.

To read Claire’s blog visit thisgirlcanswim.com and to find out about taking part in the Henley Mile visit henleyswim.com