A woman from St Albans is facing her biggest fear and learning to swim in order to take part in the New York City triathlon.

Carlie Barlow, 30, is raising funds and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust in support of her friend and former colleague Neil Vines, who was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and is still undergoing treatment for the disease.

To date Ms Barlow has raised over £2,000 for the charity through a variety of fitness challenges and events.

The NYC triathlon, however, will require her to swim 1.6 kilometres in the Hudson River in July - a monumental task for someone who is terrified of being underwater and has never swam long distances.

To help Carlie overcome her fears and take on this element of the triathlon with confidence, Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre - operated by Everyone Active in partnership with St Albans District Council - is providing her with complimentary swimming lessons in its beautiful 25 metre, 10 lane pool in the build up to the event.

As well as taking on the Hudson River swim, Ms Barlow will have to complete a 40 kilometre bike ride through the streets of New York and a 10 kilometre run in Central Park as part of the triathlon.

Ms Barlow, who lives in Hillside Road, said: "I’m taking on the NYC triathlon and facing my fears because I can.

"Others, including Neil, aren’t so fortunate. I want to use my good health to help raise as much money as possible for good causes, including Teenage Cancer Trust which has provided invaluable support to Neil and his family over the years.

"When I told Neil I was worried because I can’t swim, his response was ‘learn’ and that’s exactly what I’m doing with the help of my friends, family and Everyone Active.

"I’m hopeful that with their support and my determination I’ll be able to overcome my fear and complete all three elements of the triathlon in July."

To follow Ms Barlow’s journey, click here. To donate, click here.