A teenager from Heaton Norris in Stockport has begun a gruelling training regime as she prepares to complete a 22 mile charity swim.

Katie Bailey, 17, is hoping to hit her target of £2,000 through the challenge on the 30th March and money raised will go to The Christie where her close friend is being treated for leukaemia.

Rather than swim the 22 miles in the English Channel, her local swimming pool will be giving the A-level student her own dedicated lane for the day.

She said; "I looked into swimming the Channel but it costs around £3,000 to do it, plus I didn't like the idea of covering myself in grease or contending with jelly fish and seaweed! Plus the success rate for completing it is less than 10%.

"My local swimming pool at Grand Central is 50m long so that means 704 lengths! I'm thinking it's going to take me about 15 hours to complete.

"It'll be challenging, but nothing compared to what my friend Chris is going through, so this is for him."

Katie's friend Chris, 19, was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2008, just before he was due to start studying medicine in London. He has since undergone chemotherapy and had a bone transplant, but is still battling the disease.

Katie added; "I've known Chris all my life and he's pretty much part of the family. It's just been devastating to see a close friend go through all this after having aspirations of going to university and fulfil his dreams. That's why I want to do this and raise money for The Christie. He can't fault the way he's been cared for there."

To ensure her challenge goes well, Katie has been religiously completing a 5k swim every morning, followed by a 3k stint each evening.

"I really want to put my all into this and do everything I can for this important cause. I've had a lot of help, including a man called Ken Davis who used to swim competitively. He's coached me and brought me on so far and I can't thank him enough. I sometimes doubt whether I'd be able to do this without his help and encouragement."

"I know times are hard still but I would so appreciate it if people could give what they can and visit my fundraising page www.justgiving.com/Katie-Bailey. Every penny counts."

Sporting events coordinator Emma Tilley said; "This is such a huge challenge and it's incredible that Katie - excuse the pun - is going to such great lengths to support our charity.

"She's giving up so much of her time and I speak on behalf of our whole team when I say how thankful we all are. The money she raises will make such a difference to cancer patients.

"If you've been inspired by Katie's challenge, but think you would struggle with such a long distance, then there are other swimming opportunities in support of our charity.

"On the 4th and 5th September the Great North Swim is taking place in Lake Windermere. It's a one mile open water swim and is a hugely popular event.

"We do have charity places still available, so do contact our events team on 0161 446 3400 or email events@christies.org to avoid disappointment."

Meet the news team