Islander set to swim across Irish Sea for charity

A Guernsey resident is embarking on a 'gruelling' swim from Northern Ireland to Scotland for charity.

Former Royal Marine Jay Goss aims to tackle the 21-mile (34km) 'Everest of Swims' in July, to raise money for domestic abuse charity Safer LBG.

The route is considered one of the most difficult long distance ocean swims due to the low temperature of the water, an abundance of jelly fish and strong currents, he said.

Mr Goss, who is hoping to raise up to £100,000, said it was his "greatest challenge yet", and he was "incredibly proud" to be supporting the charity.

Mr Goss and his support team have one week from 1 July to assess weather conditions and decide which day to begin the anticipated 16-hour swim across the Irish Sea.

Having trained for the past two years in air temperatures of minus 13C, he had to gain 20kg in weight to combat the risk of hypothermia.

He said: "We have had to be laser focused on preparing for the swim... It's been a challenge, but we're ready."

Mr Goss explained his reason for selecting the charity: "They provide emotional support and physical refuge to victims as young as four.

"When I speak to the women who have inspired me to do this, who've lived through horrors most of us can't imagine; they all speak of hope.

"And that hope is provided by charities like Safer LBG."

He has so far received more than £21,000 in pledges and has previously swum the English Channel.

He said: "I hope all of the donations raised make a positive impact on victims' lives."

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