Endurance athlete to begin 24-hour lake swim

Martin Malone, 51, is to take on a 24-hour charity swim in Halling, Kent

An endurance athlete who is set to swim around a lake continuously for 24-hours says it is a privilege to raise funds for a children's charity.

Martin Malone will attempt the swim at St Andrew's Lakes in Halling, near Rochester, in Kent – beginning on Saturday and finishing the following day.

The 51-year-old is raising funds for two children's charities based in the Isle of Man.

He said: "When I told someone that I'll be swimming for 24 hours, she said, 'Why on earth would you want to swim for 24 hours?'. And I said, 'I don't have to; I get to'. It's a privilege."

During the swim, Mr Malone, originally from Ireland, will swim around the edge of the lake, stopping only briefly each hour to eat and rehydrate.

He aims to raise £50,000, which will go towards Rebecca House Children's Hospice and The Children's Centre, both based in the Isle of Man where Mr Malone has lived for 28 years.

The challenge, dubbed The Big Swim, is part of a wider Expedition Limitless challenge, which will see a team of fundraisers looking to raise £200,000 through different initiatives.