A TEENAGER will be swimming the length of the English Channel to raise funds for a charity which helps people with spinal chord injuries.

Phebe-Lee Want, 15, who lives in Sunnyfield Gardens, Hockley, hopes to raise up to £2,000 for Aspire by swimming 118 lengths each week from September 11 to December 4.

She said that the thought of swimming up to 22 miles is “pretty terrifying” but she is determined to complete her challenge.

The FitzWimarc School pupil said that she was inspired to swim the length of the English Channel after her cousin regularly ran marathons for charity.

She said: “I was inspired by my cousin Victoria who has done a lot of marathon runs to raise money for Mind.

“It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community and to help make a difference to those who really need the help. I thought I would give it a go.”

Phebe has been putting in a lot of hard work to prepare for the big day. She is training two hours a day by swimming and weight training.

She said: “The thought of swimming a total of 22 miles is pretty terrifying.

“But it’s not so scary when I think about the reason why I am doing it. It’s going to be hard work but it’s worth it.

“While I’m pounding out those lengths I’ll also be changing lives”

Taking part in this charity meant a lot to Phebe personally. Although she has no family or friends living with spinal cord injury, it was her own experience that motivated her to take on this challenge.

She said: “I had anorexia for around three years and it really took a toll on my life and my family. It just affected my daily life and everything I do. I was losing weight and I couldn’t eat.

“It’s an awful feeling because I felt trapped and I hated the way I looked.

“Then I started to going to a clinic for eating disorders and the doctor helped me through it.

“So what I am doing is a way for me to show appreciation for the chance I got back after I went through anorexia. My parents have been very supportive of me and I want to thank them for it.

“I think this is a great way for me to show everyone, of whatever illness you have either physical or mental, that they too have the strength to come back and do what they’ve always wanted to do.”

After swimming for Aspire, Phebe said she wants to continue helping with other causes.

To support Phebe head to leetchi.com/c/charity-nonprofit-phebe-lee-want.