A SUPER swimmer from Overton is preparing to cross the Channel both ways to raise money for a Basingstoke hospice.

Rachel Hessom was in the news in 2013 when she was became the first woman to complete a cross-Channel triathlon without wearing the aid of a wetsuit.

The challenge was part of the London to Paris Triathlon Arch to Arc, which involved running from London to Dover, swimming the channel to France and then cycling from Calais to Paris.

But Not content with this major outstanding feat, her new record, the 30-year-old mother now plans to compete a two-way Channel swim for St Michael’s Hospice next month.

The challenge will see Rachel start from Dover where she will swim to France, before almost immediately turning around to swim back to England.

Rachel will swim a total of 42 miles. During the physically demanding feat, however and because the tide will move her around, and she will probably swim nearer to 50 miles.

Her tidal window opens on August 7, but she could be asked to go at anytime there is an available spot.

Rachel is expecting to complete the swim in around 30 hours, and could have to swim through the night.

She said: “I am feeling both excited and nervous about the swim.

“I know that it’s going to be painful and that I’m going to want to give up at some point.

“But I also know that it is such a wonderful feeling when it’s all done and I am sure that will keep me going through the darker times.”

Rachel will have jellyfish, weeds and debris to contendt with, and there is a high chance she could suffer from sea sickness and stomach upset because of the salt water and carbohydrate drinks she will use for energy.

The English Channel is the busiest sea lane in the world, and swimming across it is dangerous.

Daisy Mitchell, community campaigns coordinator for St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, said: “Swimming the English Channel one way is a truly remarkable feat but to attempt the return immediately after is quite honestly mind blowing.

“The physical and mental strain that Rachel will be under during both crossings will be extreme but she is determined to succeed.”

Rachel’s previous cross-channel swim event saw her win a Sporting Achievement Award at the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Award 2014.