A Honiton woman is hoping to make a splash for charity by completing a 44-mile swimming challenge.

Sandra Mortimer, this week, has started The Aspire Channel Swim 2014, and hopes to raise as much as she can to help transform the lives of people paralysed by spinal cord injuries.

The 45-year-old will have 12 weeks to complete the challenge and swim 2,832 lengths of Honiton Swimming Pool.

“I am excited about doing the challenge and am really looking forward to doing it,” says Sandra, who did the Aspire Channel Swim 22 mile challenge last year.

“It is nice to raise the bar and do 44 miles,” she added. “If I can get it done in eight weeks it will be even better.”

To achieve her swimming challenge, she will have to do at least four miles a week, which is 256 lengths a week

“I enjoy swimming and it is nice to put it towards helping someone else,” says Sandra. “It will be the longest distance I have had to swim. I’ve never done so many miles.”

Aspire provide practical support to those who have sustained spinal injuries - £3,000 can help buy a lightweight wheelchair and £150 can pay for an independent living adviser.

By doing the swim Sandra hopes to also encourage more people to get involved in the event.

To sponsor Sandra send cheques payable to Aspire or donations to c/o Midweek Herald, Exeter Airport Business Park, Fair Oak Close, Clyst Honiton, Near Exeter EX5 2UL.

The Aspire Channel Swim 2014 will be taking place at swimming pools across the UK.

For more information or to take part visit www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk or give Aspire a call on 0800 0370 880.