THE 'French coast' was this week rapidly coming into view for Wellington swimmer Richard Elloway, who is supporting St Margaret's Hospice by swimming the equivalent of the English Channel.

Richard, of Seymour Street, Wellington, is on target to complete 1,400 lengths of Wellington Sports Centre's pool on Tuesday, meeting his end of the month deadline.

He has already swum 1,230 lengths, leaving 170 to swim by next week, visiting the sports centre on six days a week and swimming between 50 and 90 lengths each time.

Seventy-six-year-old Richard hopes to raise £3,600 which will be used to buy the hospice a second anti-pressure chair.

He was inspired to help the charity because of the care given to his wife Pamela, who has since been moved to a local care home.

Richard said although the marathon swim was not easy, he was determined to complete the challenge and had so far enjoyed it.

He said: "I have got the determination behind me of wanting to do it for a very good cause, for the hospice, which gives me motivation to keep going.

"If nothing else, it has helped me to make a lot of friends and be involved with the hospice, which is a very deserving cause - and it has made me fitter."