A 10-YEAR-old Nelson boy is channelling his energies into a 22-mile swim to raise money for young spinal injury sufferers.

Jake Copeman of Bowland View, Reedley, is taking part in the UK's largest sponsored swimming event, Aspire's Channel Swim, and will swim the same distance as the English Channel for the charity.

Jake, a pupil at St James' Lanehead CE Primary School, Burnley, has been swimming from a very young age and joined Rosegrove Amateur Swimming Club aged just six.

Jake's mum, Hayley Copeman, said: "I used to take Jake to mum and baby swimming lessons.

"I learnt to swim at a young age but I wasn't a confident swimmer and I wanted to make sure he learnt to swim from an early age.

And explaining why Jake got involved in helping youngsters, she said: "We saw a poster at the swimming club and we decided to join. We have had swimathons in the past but nothing like this."

The keen youngster, who is also a member of the Burnley Bobcats swimming team as well as Rosegrove, swims on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and is up for a 6.30am swimming session on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hayley, who has another son, Alex, also a keen swimmer, said: "Rosegrove teaches techniques and Bobcats builds stamina. They complement each other."

Jake has to swim 1,408 lengths to cover the 22 miles. He has completed 200 lengths so far.

Hayley said: "He did 110 lengths at Bobcats and 90 at Rosegrove. At the speed he's swimming he will finish in no time."

The 22-mile swim began on September 11 in pools across the country and all entrants have until December 3 to cross the 22-mile finish line. Hayley said: "The way Jake is swimming he might finish it before the 12 weeks are up. "

Jake's mum is also doing the swim and has been encouraged by her young son to keep training.

Hayley said: "He is very enthusiastic about the swim and it is for a good cause so he has helped me keep motivated. He might have to swim some miles for me."

To take part in the Aspire Channel Swim freephone 08000 370 880 or visit www.aspire channelswim.co.uk.

To make a donation to Jake or Hayley Copeman visit www.justgiving.com/Jake copeman.