Bleakley begins water-ski challenge (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Bleakley begins water-ski challenge

8:39am Friday 12th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Christine Bleakley has embarked on her challenge to water-ski across the English Channel for Sport Relief.

The One Show presenter set off from the shores of Dover clad in a black head-to-toe wetsuit and red life jacket.

She will be aiming to complete the challenge in just over an hour, hanging on at about 20mph for the choppy 21-mile stretch to France - across the world's busiest shipping lane.

Temperatures are a miserable 5C with the wind chill below freezing.

Christine was moved to undertake the challenge following a trip to Uganda with Sport Relief in 2008, where she met young people who are living tough lives.

Speaking before the challenge, she said: "It's so easy to come home from a trip like that and forget about what you've seen and keep going about your everyday life.

"I didn't want to do that. I'll never forget the people that I met and I want to do something to help them.

"Please support me by making a donation as it really will help change lives."

Footage of her challenge can be seen on The One Show on Friday night.

To support Christine, make a donation at www.sportrelief.com/christine.