A LANCASTER swimmer is take on a gruelling endurance challenge to raise cash for charity.

William Murphy is joining 40 other swimmers in a unique race across the 11 miles of Lake Windermere.

And William, also coach of Lancaster University's swimming team, hopes to raise cash to help sick children at Lancaster Royal Infirmary.

The former army PTI instructor, now studying for a masters degree in medicinal chemistry at the university, hopes the race on September 2 will prepare him for a future attempt to swim the channel.

"The only thing I'm worried about is the cold," he explained: "I've done plenty of endurance work and I'm swimming about four miles a day in training"

"I love pushing myself and there is some method in this madness because I'm hoping to be doing 22 miles next year and the channel the year after that."

William has already raised around £500 in sponsorship, which will help to fund a new resuscitator for newborn babies at the infirmary.

Regulars at the Boot & Shoe in Scotforth, where William works, have helped out, as have his friends.

He is also being helped by the army: "The army are providing two lads who will swim with me and keep an eye on me in case I get into difficulties."

William's priority for this year's race is to complete the gruelling course and raise cash for the sponsorship before trying for even bigger things next year.

Can you sponsor William in his massive charity swim?

He can be contacted on 01524 388085.