WHEN the idea of a cross-Channel charity swim was first raised, Harriet Tuck decided it would be the ideal opportunity to repay a family debt.

Harriet's older brother John had meningitis when he was just 16 months old, and it left him profoundly deaf. Now Harriet is making plans to raise funds for Meningitis UK.

Harriet, 18, said: 'It would be great if this illness could be wiped out so other families would not go through this.

'It has been hard work for my family to look after John's welfare. Even though he is working, they have to deal with things from banking to hospital calls to getting his cochlear implant repaired'.

'I love swimming, so this is a fantastic opportunity to do something special which means a lot to my family and myself.'

The swim will take place from September 17 to 24 beginning at Dover.

No exact date has been set as it is dependent on weather.

Harriet lives in Plymouth and has been training at Dinnaton Swimming Club, just north of Ivybridge.

She said: 'I swim for Dinnaton and started open water swimming two years ago with the Annual Breakwater Swim.

'I enjoyed it and I seem to be better at this type of swimming.

'I have entered events this year at Exmouth and Dover, so the Channel is the next step.

'It is there to swim.

'My coach Alan reckons I can do it and my parents are willing to help with expenses.

'I will board the pilot boat at Dover and start off a beach nearby.

'The finish will depend on the tide but the majority of channel swims are about 21 miles.

'Hopefully, I will end up near Calais.

'I train about 15 hours a week in the pool covering about 45,000 meters.

'I also swim about five hours a week off the Hoe in Plymouth.

'I had to swim for six continuous hours to prove to the Channel Swimming Association I was capable of swimming for a long period.

'I am very much looking forward to the challenge'.

To sponsor Harriet for the charity cross-Channel swim, visit her donations web page at http://www.justgiving.com/Harriet-Tuck">www.justgiving.com/Harriet-Tuck.