A FORMER champion synchronised swimmer is returning to the water – but this time swapping the comfort of the pool to swim across the Forth at Queensferry.

Jane Calder will take to the water at South Queensferry next month in a bid to raise funds for a local gymnastics club which has helped her son, Cameron.

Duo Gymnastics, based at the Aubigny Sports Centre, Haddington, is keen to buy a new vaulting table, which costs about £1,000.

Jane said: “What I have been really impressed with is the way the club and coaches have adapted to him.

“There is mainstream gymnastics but they have adapted lessons for his needs.

“It has made him not feel different and he still feels part of the club – he really enjoys it.

“Cameron’s disability comes under Global Development Delay.

“He has a real difficulty with comprehension and understanding what is being asked of him, following instructions.

“He is also very sensitive to noise and sudden loud noises.

“That is what they have managed to do really well, break it down into small parts for him.

“Through time, it becomes a routine and he understands what is being asked of him.”

Jane, who lives near Gifford, has been a keen swimmer for a number of years and represented Scotland in the 1994 Commonwealth Games, in Canada.

However, after a break from swimming she returned to the pool at the beginning of the year before swapping the pool for the sea earlier this summer.

She said: “I kept swimming as a hobby and to keep fit.

“I have always swam but it has always been indoor swimming.

“I started looking about and had always had an interest in open-water swimming but never did it.

“I came across the Firth of Forth swim and that quite appeals to me and thought I would give it a go.”

The mum-of-two signed up in March for the swim, which sees swimmers head off from Hawes Pier and swim alongside the Forth Bridge towards North Queensferry.

Swimmers set off at 2.10pm and have an hour to complete the 1.4-mile swim.

In preparation for the fundraiser on September 22, Jane has taken to the waters off Dumfries and Galloway’s coast and has also linked up with the Bass Rock Swimmers, who are based in North Berwick.

Despite being an accomplished swimmer, Jane said there were still challenges.

She said: “The currents are certainly a big factor.

“It is just your awareness and you can go off track very easily and just that anticipation of what is below you and what you are swimming over.

“I have enjoyed the challenge and it has certainly put me out of my comfort zone.

“I have really enjoyed it and met some really lovely people.

“My thanks go to my husband, Garry, and family for support and encourage to take on the challenge and to Duo Gymnastics Club for the support and help they have given Cameron.”

Pamela Fletcher, from the gymnastics club, said: “Thanks to Jane undertaking the swim, the club can purchase a new and much needed vaulting table for the gymnastics at Aubigny Sport Centre. Due to local support we have now met our target however donations continue meaning we can hopefully purchase some more equipment. Our club trains twice a week however classes are ran Monday to Friday through enjoyleisure so the equipment is well used by over 200 local gymnasts.

To support Jane, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jane-calder