A Monmouth woman was inspired to swim the equivalent of the English Channel for a spinal charity after seeing one of her friends doing the same challenge.

Vicki Powell decided that a spinal injury could happen to anyone at any time and wanted to raise awareness as well as some money for the Aspire Channel swin 2013 by swimming the entire 22 miles over a 12-week period in a local pool.

She is grateful to Andrew Jones, Matt Barrett and Angharad Jones at Monmouth Leisure Centre for encouraging her to take up the swimming marathon and allowing her to use their pool for her challenge.

Vicki is hoping to raise between £500 and £600 and anyone can donate by going to her Justgiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/user/45617499">www.justgiving.com/user/45617499