Solent swim for motor neurone charity

Kayakers looked out for large ships to keep swimmers safe during the challenge in 2014

A group of swimmers are due to set off across the Solent in aid of charity.

The Ian Pratt MND Challenge has been postponed twice due to high winds.

There will be 28 people leaving from Ryde on the Isle of Wight and swimming to Stokes Bay in Gosport, raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Organiser Tony Bray said the event started two years ago with four people and now two dates are needed as it is so popular.

Another 36 people are due to complete the event on 21 September.

Tony Bray with his friend Ian Pratt, who has motor neurone disease

Mr Bray set up the challenge in honour of his friend Ian Pratt who has motor neurone disease.

He said: "Wave height today is 0.2m so it's not going to be easy but it will be swimmable."

One group will swim the approximately three miles (4.8 km) from Ryde to Stokes Bay in Gosport and another will attempt the challenge in the opposite direction.

Each swimmer is accompanied by a kayak and there will also be safety boats in the water.

More than £35,000 has so far been raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association through the challenge.