Philip Elston will swim from Stokes Bay to Ryde, Isle of Wight, in aid of Countess Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, which looked after his mum, Valerie, during the advanced stages of cancer.

It will be the third time the 50-year-old has taken on the challenge having completed the three-mile stretch in 2003 and 2006.

However this time it will be a little bit different.

'This will be my first attempt at swimming from the mainland to the island, the other way round to usual,' he said.

'I lost my mother Valerie Elston to cancer four years ago when she was just 66 years old and I wanted to do something for her, in her memory.

Mr Elston, of Union Street, Fareham, raised more than £1,000 in his last charity challenge and hopes to equal or beat the target again this year.

He will also raise funds for Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards, who are providing a support boat during the swim.

'Being a swimmer, the local lifeguard is a also a good charity to support. They will be looking out for me during the challenge,' he said.

Philip, an administration officer for the Office for National Statistics, first braved the cold waters of England's seas when he lived in Cornwall more than 10 years ago.

He added: 'I swim virtually all year round, from February until Christmas. You have an unlimited amount of space, it's so exhilarating to be out in the sea amongst the wildlife. It doesn't take long to get used to the cold.'

To sponsor Philip call him on 01329 220419.