Wiltshire swimmer to cross English Channel for mental health

A swimmer is preparing to cross the English Channel to demonstrate how building mental stamina can help in overcoming challenges.

Premal Pattani, from Swindon in Wiltshire, is due to swim 35km (21 miles) from England to France later this month in a bid to raise £10,000 for mental health charity Mind.

The 15-hour swim in frigid water will be completed solo, without a wetsuit, alongside sharks, jellyfish and debris in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Since struggling with his mental health issues at university, Mr Pattani says fitness has played an instrumental role in improving his strength, resilience and outlook on life.