Local News

Teacher Amanda Bell has taken to the water as she attempts to swim across the English Channel in memory of one of her former students, Georgina Anderson.

After waiting since Saturday for the right tidal conditions in the Channel, Amanda's gruelling 21-mile swim from Dover to France got underway at 4.40am this morning (Tuesday).

The former teacher at Bydales School in Marske decided to undertake the cross-channel challenge after being inspired by the bravery of one of her former students, Georgina Anderson, who died in November 2013 after being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer.

Amanda is raising money for the charities which Georgina supported, Teenage Cancer Trust and Cancer Research UK.

Amanda said "I'm dedicating my swim to the amazingly talented Georgina. If I can show half the strength and courage that Georgina did then I will make it all the way to France."

*** UPDATE *** Amanda arrived at the beach west of Sangatte in France at approx 11.10pm, having completed the crossing in a time of 18 hours 23 minutes. Definitely a moment for celebration!

You can follow Amanda's progress on her Facebook page 'Amanda's English Channel Swim'.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/AmandaBellChannel