IT’S an intense 16 hour challenge set in the murky waters of the English Channel.

But that isn’t enough to put off a group of adrenaline junkies as they prepare to take on a 26 mile swim.

Matthew Brader, of Ipswich, Ally Black, of Colchester, Jonathan Lord, Debbie Lavender, Caspar Stops and James Goldsmith will wave farewell to the white cliffs of Dover and take to the water to swim to Calais, France.

The group, who all work at the London branch of insurance company Hiscox, are taking on the swimathon for the British Heart Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The team will get down to their goggles, Speedos and swimsuits to take on the 21 mile challenge.

Mr Brader, 26, of Belstead Road, said each member of the team will swim up to four miles, alternating every hour.

“We are hoping to raise at least £5,000 which will then be split between the two causes,” he said. “So far we have raised more than £2,500.

“We chose the charities because they are both important to us all in different ways.

“I put forward the idea of raising money for the British Heart Foundation because my girlfriend had an operation last year on her heart. I have always loved swimming but I have never done anything like this. It will be a challenge but it will also be a big accomplishment for us all.

“We will each swim for an hour and then swap and then keep alternating until we reach Calais.”

Depending on the tide, swimmers can end up swimming double the distance.

Mr Brader took on the Alton Water Great East Swim last year and will be taking part in a number of challenges before the Channel swim in July.

“I have started training for it,” he said. “I’m currently to swim about a mile a few times a week and when it warms up a bit I will go start swimming in open water again.”

Mr Black, 25, added: “The months are flying by and it is becoming increasingly real. I have a training plan for the swimming which is going well.”

To support Matthew’s fundraising efforts visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Matthew Brader.