LIZ Hosford hasn't let a mere kidney transplant deter her from a lifetime ambition to swim the English Channel.

But the 26-mile endurance test is enough to sap the morale of even someone as brave and tough as Liz.

It will no doubt be a tremendous boost to her effort if Essex people can pledge the £10,000 she is trying to raise for transplant charities - and do so before she takes her first step into that cold seawater.