Ms McCormick says the water is getting warmer

Jane McCormick, 23, will swim from Dover to Calais on 14 July to raise money for Headway, a charity for survivors of brain injury.

She decided to take up the challenge after her brother suffered brain damage in a street attack.

Ms McCormick, who is studying fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University, said the water is "warming up" now.

"I'm hoping that the Channel will be about 16C because it was between 9 and 12C when I was last there - that's not warm in just a swimming costume," she said.

"Sean, our other brother Dominic and I used to swim in a club together, so this seemed like the logical thing to do."