In July this year I shall be following in the wake of the 1st crossing of the English Channel by Captain Webb in 1875 (a swim that covered 40 miles and lasted for 22 hours).

Unlike Webb, I shall be sharing the delights of the swim as a member of a relay team of five. Similarly we shall endeavour to take a more direct route to France and aim to bring the crossing time closer to 18 hours.

All other factors remain the same with minor adjustments based predominantly on the evolution of science: High carbohydrate isotonic fluids and Mars bars have superseded brandy and cured sausage as forms of sustenance and porpoise fat as an insulating layer has, alas, given way to a heady mix of petroleum jelly and lanolin. One's swimming costume must still offer no buoyancy or insulating properties against the 16 degree water and there is no touching the support boat during sections of the swim.

The moustache remains optional.

I am raising funds for 2 charities: Cancer Research UK (as described on this page) and The Mango Tree Orphan Support Programme which you can support by visiting my other fundraising page at www.justgiving/BenCutner .

Both these charities work for great causes and would benefit enormously from your support for which I too would be very grateful.