A GROUP of six friends are attempting one of the hardest swimming challenges in the world - conquering the Channel in a relay.

Sally O’Connor, Tim Garnett, Catherine Barton -Smith, Claire Grose, Guy Lovegrove and Zoe Collins, all from Hurstpierpoint, call themselves the Aspire Sussex Sea Turtles.

The friends will attempt to swim the 22 miles from Northern France at the end of September to raise money for people who have sustained a spinal injury. The team were inspiered to take on the challenge after meeting Paula Craig who was supported by Aspire when she suffered life changing injuries.

Zoe said: “After meeting with Paula we’re all excited and determined to cross the Channel together and raise money for Aspire, which is an amazing charity that helped Paula so much with her recovery and continues to support her and others in so many ways.

Each of the group must swim in strict order for an hour at a time until they reach the French coast. They can wear only swimming costumes and are not allowed wetsuits or any artificial aids.

To support them visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/SussexSeaTurtles