A STUDENT has raised £1,000 for a Herefordshire charity after swimming the English Channel.

Sam Windless, from Newent, wanted to help St Michael’s Hospice after seeing it care for the mother of a 16-year-old friend.

The 23-year-old was joined by two friends from Loughborough University during his challenge. The trio aimed to raise £2,000 for the charity, with each member swimming a third of the 21 miles between Dover and Calais.

Mr Windless, who praised the hospice for its good work, has reached half his target after completing the crossing last month.

People can still donate at justgiving.com/SamChannelWindless.