REMARKABLE transplant athlete Liz Hosford will swim the English Channel to raise awareness about organ donations.

Liz, 37, who had a kidney transplant 17 years ago, has continued competing in the sports she loves by taking part in the World Transplant Games, where she has already bagged an incredible 80 medals.

The latest was last September in Bangkok, Thailand, where she took silver in squash.

Now Liz is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of her life.

She said: "This is a huge challenge for me, both physically and mentally, but I'm very excited. This is something I've always wanted to do, so when the challenge came up I couldn't say no.

"All seven of us who will do it have had life-changing transplants with six people having kidney transplants and one having a heart replaced."

Liz, from West Thurrock, is also trying to raise £10,000 for two charities she is a trustee for - Transplant Sport UK and the Transplant Support Network.

Two websites have been set up for anyone wanting to make a donation. The websites are www.justgiving.com/lizchannelswimtsuk and www.justgiving.com/lizchannelswimtsn