<p>On 25 July 2011 I will be attempting to swim across the Solent, that's right, that narrow stretch of water from mainland England to the Isle of Wight in aid of the Isle of Wight Samaritans.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I have been swimming for 2 years now but for me this will be the biggest swim challenge that I have attempted. The shipping lane gets busy and the&nbsp;tides are strong, so we are setting out from Hurst Castle on the mainland at 6.20 am, the optimum moment, and hope to get to Colwell Bay on the Island around an hour later. The Freshwater Lifeboats, kayaks and rigid inflatable boats will accompany us and a hot breakfast will be waiting.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Isle of Wight Samaritans desperately needs funds as they are growing fast and have increased the number of volunteers taking calls and their opening hours. The Swim is their major fund raising event of the year. Last year they had 30 swimmers and raised &pound;25,000. This year they hope to raise even more, so please help.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>