Harrogate woman to swim English Channel distance for charity

A Harrogate woman is set to swim the equivalent distance of the English Channel for the 11th time in aid of charity.

Angie Russell, who lives in Bilton, will take on the challenge to raise money for Aspire.

The charity, which was founded in 1982, provides practical support those who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury.

Angie was inspired to help after reading an article about how the organisation helped a man who broke his spine in a car accident.

She will take on the Aspire channel swim on September 18, which tasks participants with swimming 22 miles over the course of 12 weeks.

Those taking part can swim the distance in their own time and at a place of their choice, such as a local swimming pool.

Speaking ahead of the swim, Angie said:

“I love swimming because I love the water and the freedom it offers, the meditative state it brings and the relaxing and stress-relieving benefits, as well as general fitness and toning.  

“I enjoy the Aspire channel swim because it gives me the focus of swimming a certain distance within a certain time. 

“I have a busy life and it gives me an ‘excuse’ to take time for myself to go swimming and to help a good cause.”

The Aspire channel swim has so far seen 381 swimmers sign up and raised £6,144.

For more information on the challenge and to donate, visit the Aspire website here.

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