A SOUTH Lakeland man is preparing to swim the length of 14 Lake District lakes and tarns in 14 days to raise thousands for carers across the country.

Tom Laidler, from Grayrigg, will begin his challenge on August 28 and travel the county for the next two weeks swimming a total of nearly 70km in the process.

Mr Laidler - who has lived in London working as a lawyer for the past eight years - will begin his challenge in Coniston Water, before taking on Elterwater and Stickle Tarn, Esthwaite Water, Wastwater, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Ennerdale, Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, Red Tarn, Blea Water and Ullswater.

The challenge will culminate in him swimming the length of Windermere - England's largest body of water at 16.5km - on September 9.

Mr Laidler will swim the length of all of the lakes and tarns except Ennerdale, on which he will use a canoe due to environmental restrictions.

The 31-year-old is taking on the challenge in aid of the Peter Westropp Memorial Trust, which was set up in memory of his friend who died after being struck by falling masonry in Battersea in 2011.

Had he survived, it is likely the 27-year-old would have required 24 hour care.

The memorial trust was established by Mr Westropp’s family in order to raise money for charities supporting the six million carers in the UK.

Mr Laidler has already raised more than £2,500 which will go towards the Carers Trust, but hopes to raise more than £5,000 during the course of his challenge.

So far the fundraising swim is being supported by Workshop Coffee, Huub wetsuits and Mornflake Oats.

Mr Laidler said: “Pete had boundless enthusiasm and encouragement for all those he met, but particularly for anyone who seemed on the periphery of any situation. His inspiring view on life made a lasting impression on my friends. Every year the memorial trust organises different events and challenges with the ultimate aim of raising £250,000 for charities which support six million people across the UK, including many young children, who are caring for friends and family without financial and emotional support.

“My little challenge is a great opportunity to support and raise awareness for carers, as well as spending time with my own friends and family exploring an area that I have loved so much since I was a child. It will not doubt be cold and painful in parts, but I will have a great support and safety team alongside. I can’t wait to get swimming!”

Anyone who wants to support Mr Laidler's challenge can go to https://swimlakeland.wordpress.com which will be updated with pictures, video and blogs throughout.

You can follow his adventures on Facebook at www.facebook.com/swimlakeland and on Twitter @SwimLakeland.