A SWIMMER is taking the plunge with a record attempt for the earliest and coldest ever cross-Channel swim.

Simon Cooke, of Southover Street, Brighton, has been building up to “the Mount Everest of long-distance swims” since he was 16.

The Brighton Sea Swimmers Club member will take to the sea for local charity Amaze.

The 47-year-old said: “A switch went off in my head – I have always wanted to do it. It’s a personal thing for me.”

His adventure takes place between May 16 and 29, depending on the weather, with May 29 being the current record for the earliest date for crossing the Channel.

He said: “It’s all about you battling against the elements – hypothermia is my biggest enemy.”

To get him through it, he will be fed warm energy drinks and food en route.

His preparations include swimming several hours a day and putting on two stone in weight to insulate him.

“I’m trying to turn myself into a seal,” he joked.

The swim is not recognised when wearing a wetsuit so he has to go in bare-skinned, bar swimming trunks.

He is currently “tapering down” – a process of easing off the exercise before the big swim.

The crew on his support craft includes a captain, trainer Fiona Southwell, a doctor standing by with a defibrillator, his girlfriend and an observer from the Channel Swimming Association to make sure he does not cheat by holding on to the boat.

Mr Cooke will swim for a friend, whose son has Downs Syndrome and was cared for by Amaze.

He said: “Knowing that all this hard work is going to such a great charity will keep me warm in my coldest hour.”

Mr Cooke hopes to complete the crossing from Dover to a headland near Calais, a little over 21 miles away, in about 12 to 14 hours.

He hopes to reach a target of £20,000 for Brighton-based Amaze, which gives information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special needs and disabilities.

Rachel Travers, chief executive of Amaze, said: “Simon’s Channel crossing attempt has got to be the most exciting and challenging way yet to raise funds for us and we are very grateful.

“If he raises £10,000 it would help us open our helpline service for an extra day each week.”

Help Mr Cooke reach his target by texting SCWR55 £5 to 70070 to give £5.

Alternatively, visit justgiving.com/Simon-CookeWorldRecord

Background

TV personality and Hove resident David Walliams attempted his own cross-Channel swim in 2006 for Sport Relief. His time was 10 hours and 34 minutes and he raised an impressive £1 million.

Last August, a Sussex-born soldier swam the English Channel in a team of six.

James Sandalls from Newhaven was part of a regiment relay team called The Tiger Sharks and raised £10,000 for the Friends of Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Benevolent Fund, Scope and two hospices.