An air cadet from Halstead is preparing to pull on his goggles for a cross channel swim for charity.

Cadet Sergeant Harry Barrett-Smith, 18, of 1163 (Colne Valley) Squadron is joining a team of intrepid swimmers from across the country to battle tides and jellyfish on a relay swim of the English Channel this summer.

The swim, set to take place on July 2 if weather conditions allow it, is just one of many events the RAF Air Cadets are holding this year to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Harry said: “We have all put in a massive amount of training and had to go through a rigorous selection process so it will be good to get into the water, we’re all very excited and hopefully we will also raise money for the RAF Air Cadets.”

Harry is a member of Halstead Swimming Club's A squad and trains three times a week with them. 

In preparation for the cross channel swim he has also been putting in the hours at Gosfield Lake, to build up endurance and stamina as well as getting used to the motion of the sea.

Harry's mother said: “He has always been an excellent swimmer and I really admire what he is doing. 

"The family wish him the best of luck with this mammoth event. The whole team have trained extremely hard and deserve to be part of the squad.”

The 21-mile swim is expected to take upwards of 12 hours, with each swimmer – in two teams - bracing the 16ºC water for an hour at a time.

The swim will be adjudicated by an observer from the Channel Swimming Association to ensure that all rules are followed for the event to be officially recognised.

Harry has been raising sponsorship money through all his local contacts as well as friends and is well on target to reach his goal. 

At the moment Harry has raised £200 but is hoping he can build on this. 

Mike Neville, RAF Benevolent Fund Director of Strategy and Fundraising, said: “Harry is a shining example to the Air Training Corps and the Cadets in his Squadron. 

"It is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s absolute pleasure to support the Cadets in this endeavour as thousands of Cadets have supported the Fund over the years, volunteering their time to support our fundraising activities. 

"Good luck to all taking part!”