MATTHEW Nuttall will be taking the plunge for charity next month as he attempts to conquer the English Channel.

At the end of a gruelling 12-month training schedule, the 28-year-old engineer will try to swim solo more than 21 miles from Dover to Calais.

Matthew, of Birch Road, Lostock, swims more than three hours every other day and five hours at the weekend.

He last attempted to swim the Channel seven years ago but, due to sudden illness, was forced to call a halt halfway between England and France.

However Matthew, now 28, remains determined to reach French shores - and raise lots of money for the children's ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He is hoping sponsors will come forward and give his effort cash support.

Matthew said: "I'm doing this as a personal goal in life. Ever since I was a little boy I've always said to my friends: 'One day I'm going to swim the Channel'. "It seemed a good way to raise some money for a good cause at the same time."

Bachelor Matthew has been adapting his front crawl technique outdoors since March and also has been preparing his body for the extreme cold of the sea.

"I've had to put on two stone because fat keeps the body warmer. I'm eating anything and everything at the moment."

The Channel Swimming Association is supporting the swim which, weather permitting, is expected to take place between August 8 and 16. He hopes to make it in between 10 and 12 hours.

Matthew, who works at Hargreaves Hamilton in Gaskell Street, Bolton, said: "I can't tell for sure which day I'm going on because it depends on how rough the Channel is.

"A boat will accompany me. They'll feed me by passing food down on a rod. I get fed every hour - usually high carbohydrate drinks and sweet cakes - whilst treading water.

"Swimming is a very lonely pastime and can sometimes be very boring, especially swimming in a baths. But outdoor swimming is completely different, you can look at the scenery."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Matthew should contact him at Hargreaves Hamilton, PO Box 33, Gaskell Street, Bolton, BL1 2QS.

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