A fundraising nurse is swimming the equivalent width of the English Channel – more than 1,700 lengths of her local swimming pool.

Anne Stone, 42, is undertaking the national challenge which is open to all people who want to swim a total of 22 miles.

Participants help raise money for Aspire and their work with people paralysed by spinal cord injuries.

Anne, a nurse at Dorset County Hospital, said she was participating in the Aspire Channel Swim 2014 to raise funds for the cause, which also doubled up as good rehabilitation for injuries to her feet which has left her walking with crutches.

The 12-week challenge runs from September 8 to December 1, and Anne said she was on track to meet the deadline with 11 of the 22 miles already completed.

The pool Anne is using at the Jurassic Fun Centre in Burton Bradstock is 20 metres long.

It takes her 80 lengths to cover one mile.

“I’m halfway through the challenge and confident that I will complete it.

“I love swimming but hadn’t done any for a really long time but my physiotherapist recommended I do some to help with my feet.

“I’m on crutches at the moment so I’m really enjoying the freedom you get when in the water.”

Anne also thanked the Jurassic Fun Centre Bradstock for allowing her free use of the pool while she is undertaking the challenge, and had been given a letter by the management supporting the swim.

With donations from supporters already received, Anne said she was hopeful to raise more during the second half of the challenge.

“I have had a very positive reaction and received some donations so far which is great. If people would like to donate to my Aspire Channel Swim challenge they can do so via the Just Giving website and searching for my name,” she said.

Scott Condliffe, general manager at Jurassic Fun Centre, said the challenge being undertaken by Anne was for a good cause and they were pleased to help. We are very happy to help out local people fundraising for charities,” he added.