A blind woman has set off on a challenge to swim the same distance as the English Channel.

Dawn Uddin, 32, will aim to cover 22 miles over three months at the Prince Regent Swimming Complex, Brighton, as part of the Aspire Channel Swim.

Dawn, of Craven Road, Kemp Town, has to complete 1,408 lengths of the 25m pool by December 7.

She is aiming to do an average of 42 lengths a session but on Friday she set her own personal record of 64 lengths - the equivalent of a mile - in an hour.

The national challenge is in aid of spinal cord injury charity Aspire.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Dawn and contribute to the national £1 million target, can call 07887 841153.

Tuesday September 16, 2003