AN electrician will be braving the currents when he swims the English Channel for charity.

Graham Walton, from Consett in County Durham, took up open water swimming 10 years ago and will attempt to swim the Channel over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The 43-year-old will take on the challenge to raise money for blood cancer charity Bright Red.

He said “I have wanted to do this for such a long time.

“I’ve been a support swimmer for one of my friends in the past, so I know how hard this is going to be.

“I have a three-day window to try it. The shortest distance is 21 miles, but it could be longer than that depending on the current.

“When I set off I’ll be in the water for between 11 and 14 hours, and can’t get out.”

He will have his own support team on hand throughout the event, but there are restrictions as to what they are allowed to do.

He said: “Some will get in the water and swim alongside me for spells to help keep me company, others will be preparing food and drinks so I can refuel.

“I am only allowed one support swimmer for one hour out of every three, so the support swimmer will swim with me for an hour, but then I’ll be alone for the next two before he’s allowed back in.

“You’re not allowed to hold on to the boat, so they have to pass food down in a net”.

He added: ”I wanted to take the opportunity to raise funds for a local charity.

“Bright Red is so well supported in my area as blood cancers have touched so many people”.

To sponsor Graham, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Graham-Walton1.