Sea Donkey preparing for 'hardest swim' ahead of 24-hour challenge

Known as the Sea Donkey, the swimmer will be raising money for both Vive La Vallette – the charity that has undertaken the regeneration work at the site – and Guernsey Disability Swimming LBG.

It is hoped enough money will be raised for a new wheelchair and reduced mobility access to the Ladies’ Pool.

‘This swim is likely to be the hardest one I will ever do,’ said the open water swimmer.

Mr Sarchet’s swim will begin at 3pm on Saturday, and more than 60 teams have signed up to join him for one-hour sections during the challenge.

He has set himself a target distance of 41 miles, which is roughly the equivalent of swimming from England to France, and back again, by doing laps of the Ladies’ Pool.

‘Swimming at close to capacity for 24 hours and navigating 1,320 tumble turns along the way, is a truly massive undertaking,’ he said.

‘The purpose of the challenge will keep me going.’

Since announcing the charity swim back in February, more than £100,000 has been raised by a variety of individuals, corporates and grant givers. The fundraising target for the event is £150,000.

‘We admire Adrian’s commitment to disabled swimmers on the island through his involvement with GDS and we are delighted that £15,000 of the funds raised will be for the benefit of that charity,’ said Vive La Vallette chairman David Warr.

‘He has trained tremendously hard preparing for the challenge.

‘We are also grateful to Adrian for his support of the new facilities at the bathing pools and of his role as an ambassador for sea swimming.

‘With a final push on the fundraising front in the remaining weeks before his challenge, we remain hopeful that the ambitious target will be reached, thanks to Adrian.’

Mr Sarchet is one of just 21 people to ever complete the Ocean’s Seven challenge and most recently completed the Loch Ness swim in 15 hours and 39 minutes.