FEWER than 2000 people have ever managed to swim the English Channel unaided - now a man from York hopes to add his name to the list.

Soldier Chris Bond will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime to swim the 21 miles across the cold, open-water of the English Channel unaided.

It is a challenge which has only ever been completed successfully by 1,619 people.

Chris, who lives in York, will be swimming in memory of his friend Shaunagh de Boinville, from Hampshire, who died from breast cancer earlier this year and is working with her family to raise over £10,000 for Breast Cancer Now, a charity dedicated to funding research into breast cancer.

He has taken on a number of challenges in his life, but says this will be the most poignant.

Chris said: “Earlier this year, I lost a great friend, Shaunagh, after a ferocious four year battle with breast cancer. She was inspirational in every way as a friend, wife, mother and driving educationalist at her Montessori School.

"I am swimming for Breast Cancer Now, as the charity was very dear to Shaunagh, in her determination to ensure that research into this devastating disease continues in order to prevent other women suffering as she did.

York Press:

"Shaunagh was an incredible talent, creative beyond words and someone who inspired so many to achieve their full potential and wildest dreams.

"By doing this swim the de Boinville family and I hope to ensure that Shaunagh’s inspirational spirit and love of life lives on.”

The challenge will take place in September, with the exact date depending on weather conditions. In the meantime, he is now embarking on a gruelling training schedule of cold, open-water swims, to ensure he is ready for the difficult swim.

Katie Robertson, community engagement manager at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It is really wonderful to see so many people coming together in support of Chris’ Channel swim to fundraise in memory of Shaunagh. The swim is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an amazing feat to take on – we wish Chris the very best for his training over the coming months and every success for the Channel swim itself .

“Right now, breast cancer research is at a tipping point. The challenge is vast, but with the support of Chris, the de Boinville family and all those donating to their passionate fundraising efforts, Breast Cancer Now will be able to continue funding research that will help us reach our ambition that by 2050, no one will die from breast cancer.”