A MOTHER-of-three aims to swim the English Channel today to raise money for an Oxford centre that helped her get through one of the toughest periods of her life.

Karen Bellcourt, from Abingdon, juggled being a mum to three children, keeping a full-time job and caring for her husband who suffered from skin cancer.

She turned to Maggie’s – a charity which provides support and help for cancer patients and their families – and now wants to raise funds to say thank you.

The 34-year-old was setting off from Dover at 2am to take part in a relay across the Channel while her husband, David, son Ronnie, six, and two daughters Lauren, 10, and Erin, eight, watched on a live feed from home.

Mr Bellcourt said: “I had skin cancer a couple of years ago and my wife basically took over everything. She cared for the children worked and looked after me.

“I was having radiotherapy and I had about eight operations and she would come with me when I had them.

“She’d do everything and I’m so grateful.

“ She’s basically a supermum and we are going to get a sign with ‘Welcome home Mum, well done’, when she gets back.”

To sponsor Mrs Bellcourt, visit justgiving.com/Karen-Bellcourt.