The three of us are all regular open water swimmers each with several long swims under our belts, but the English Channel is a challenge like no other. We're taking it on as a three-person relay, swimming one at a time in rotation until we get to France.

It will be cold, exhausting and very likely dark for a large part of it. One of the team will swim for an hour then the next will jump in behind them, overtake and become the active swimmer while the first gets out, dries off and has a short rest before it's their turn again to get back in the water. We'll keep repeating that, taking it in turns to swim an hour at a time, until we make it to dry land on the other side.

Andy is a recently retired Professor of paediatric cardiac anaesthesia and intensive care who helped to set up the Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Unit at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. He is now an Ambassador for The Grand Appeal, a charity that's very close to his heart.

We're all looking forward to taking on the challenge and any money we can raise to support this great cause will make a huge difference to the lives of the children and their families being cared for by the Bristol Children's Hospital.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you!