A MOTHER of two is training for a marathon swim across the English Channel next month in aid of the Royal National Life Boat Institution.

Chantal Carr, 35, from Edmonton, has given up her job to complete intensive training before the gruelling 21-mile swim from Dover beach to Cap Gris-Nez near Calais through a busy shipping lane.

Mrs Carr said: "Doing a Channel swim is something I have been thinking about for a few years. Reading up about it I found out that it is 80 per cent mental and 20 per cent physical.

"I've never felt ready before - but in 2008 I felt my fitness was right and I'd give it a go. You have to book a place for a pilot to guide you across about two years ahead."

Mrs Carr has been training every weekend in the cold waters of Dover harbour - although fortunately at this time of year the water is getting warmer. She gave up her job as assistant manager of Mothercare in Wood Green to dedicate her time to the training.

"When you do this you really have to make it a full time occupation to train," she said.

"You only get one chance to do it."

As well as regular trips to Dover, Mrs Carr trains at her local swimming pool two or three times a week.

She volunteers to raise awareness of the work of the RNLI by giving talks to schools and other organisations.

She added: "I don't think people realise the RNLI is voluntary and just a charity. This swim is a great way to raise money for the charity - it's really different."