To take on the biggest open water swim in the south of England would be a challenge for most people.

However, the task is even more onerous for Norwich woman Helen Dolphin, who lost four of her limbs after suffering from meningitis.

But she will be travelling to London to take on the Great London Swim to raise money for the charity Disabled Motoring UK.

The 38-year-old lost four of her limbs in 1997, but despite her disability she has done all she can to stay active and healthy and she has found swimming is a great way to achieve this.

She has even gone to the lengths of entering the Paralympic trials for the 200m freestyle and is now training for the Great London Swim. She will be among hundreds of participants swimming one mile round the River Thames for the charity.

Helen said: 'I like a challenge. I have been swimming for a while but as my first open water swim I have a fear of swimming with my head down in the Thames.

'Also, swimming with loads of people means you have to swim differently.'

As well as swimming, she devotes her time to making life better for those with disabilities and has been working for a charity called Disabled Motoring UK (DM UK), which she will be representing with two colleagues during the swim on August 31.

She said: 'I want to show that even with disabilities you can still swim and do things, as well as raise awareness for the charity.

'This is the only charity focused on helping people with disabilities to drive.'

With a target of £1,000, she is trying to raise the money to go towards an event called Get Going Live, which works with DM UK to support those with mobility problems as well as giving them support and advice when they need it.

She added: 'Without these events people with disabilities can't learn to drive and sometimes don't know if they can.

'It's important to get this experience as it helps to give them independence, a social life and helps get a job.'

The event is situated in the East End of London at the Great Victoria Dock beside Canary Wharf and the rejuvenated London Docklands area.

To sponsor Helen, visit her fundraising page at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/dmuk