Teams enter last day of Children in Need challenge

BBC Radio Surrey apprentice Morgan Webb has been swimming for the team

Local BBC radio teams in the South East are starting the final day of their Children in Need swimming challenge.

The teams from Kent, Surrey and Sussex began swimming a combined 48 miles on Monday and are planning to finish on Friday.

BBC Radio Surrey producer Sophia Atkins, who is also a swimming teacher, is conquering two miles every day for the challenge.

She said: “I’m exhausted but I’m enjoying it. Children in Need helps some great charities in our area so that’s why I’m doing it.”

BBC Radio Sussex's Will Flockton has been swimming as part of the challenge

BBC Radio Kent's Adam Dowling is also taking part in the challenge despite the fact he cannot swim.

He had his first swimming lesson in more than 30 years in the run up to the challenge and was hoping to swim 25 metres without the aid of a float.

He said: "I’ve been practising for weeks, taking tips from loads of amazing swimmers and conquering my fear of putting my head under the water.

"Can I do it? Of course I can - I hope."

BBC Radio Sussex presenter Sarah Gorrell is part of the teams hoping to swim a combined 48 miles

Executive producer Vicki Berry said: “The team have been so impressive, firstly [by] volunteering to dive straight in, but [also by] sticking to it this week.”

BBC radio stations across the UK are hoping to collectively swim 1,000 miles.

The Thousand Mile Challenge is being supported by former Team GB swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster.

To find out more, head to bbc.co.uk/swim.