A TEAM of heroic swimmers are to take to the high seas in what promises to be the challenge of a lifetime.

Debbie Wayman, 54, from Redhouse, and five other people will swim the Channel from Dover to Calais next week as part of six-person relay team.

Keen swimmer Debbie said: “Two of the other members are also from Swindon. We’ve known each other for a few years now, training and competing together in open water swimming events across the region.

“We just love open water swimming and to swim across the English Channel is the Everest of the swimming world.

“The relay swim will consist of each swimmer swimming for an hour, in whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at us. Then the next person will jump in off the boat and continue swimming while the previous swimmer exits back onto the boat.

“We will start the swim usually when the tide is slack, then continue with the outgoing tide. This can be at any time, day or night. Usually the swim order is from fastest to slowest, but some have a different order of preference.”

The team is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for national charity Aspire, which helps people with spinal injuries by providing wheelchair and home modifications as well as offering support in day-to-day living.

The swimmers were originally meant to hit the water on Saturday, but adverse weather conditions meant the swim has been pushed back until early next week.

Speaking about the perils that await, Debbie said: “We’re looking forward to it, but we’re all apprehensive.

“The local wildlife at this time of year is mainly jelly fish, which can be bothersome. But usually the sting is equivalent to a nasty stinging nettle rash which goes away fairly quickly.

“The other major obstacles are the large tankers, ferries and cruise liners. The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, so our pilot, Mike Oram on board the Gallivant, will be in constant communication with all shipping and the coast guard.

To support the team, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/debbie-wayman.