A FORMER Leeswood resident will take on the challenge of the 'Impossible Swim' to raise money for charity.

Alan Farnworth, who now lives in Middlewich, will swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco on November 3 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

As a member of the Vale Royal Sub Aqua Club, he has been rostered to fly out to California the day before the last swim window of 2018 and fly back the day after and all proceeds will go towards the charity.

He said: "I am doing this swim in memory of my father (Roy Farnworth) who lived in Leeswood for most of his life.

"Dad was diagnosed with cancer and died from the illness so I started fundraising last year. I'm hoping to do a different event every year but next year's event is going to take some topping after this.

"I found out about it during the Eight Lakes swim at the Lakes District and I was talking to someone else who told me about it. I always thought it was the impossible swim but apparently loads of people do it every year, you just have to do it when the tide is right."

The 54-year-old said he has always been a strong swimmer and was part of the Mold and Buckley swimming clubs for many years as he was growing up.

He added: "It is a challenge for me but I'm really looking forward to it. I've got an electro magnetic device to keep the great white sharks away from me.

"The prison guards were of course just trying to discourage desperate prisoners from considering an escape. They used to say if the currents don't get you the sharks or the cold water will.

"The reality is that weather and current wise it's all about picking the right tide/conditions. There were only eight shark attacks in California in 2017 and the last video attack of a great white off Alcatraz was a seal in October 2015.

"Cancer Research contributions, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated.

"Last year, an overwhelming number of my friends, family and work colleagues donated just over £1,320 for the Eight Lakes in two days swim."

Anyone wishing to support Alan or donate to his cause can do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alan-Farnworth1?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&utm_content=cfc5bef0-1cd8-4286-aad3-e67ce5064ba3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1538603697846

Or you can donate any amount from !3 to a maximum of £10 by texting the code DOAC70 to 70070.