Christine Bleakley all set to water-ski Channel

Christine Bleakley is all set to embark on her challenge to water-ski across the English Channel for Sport Relief.

The One Show presenter is setting off on Friday and will hang on at approximately 20mph for the entire choppy 22-mile stretch to France - across the world's busiest shipping lane.

Christine was due to make her attempt on Wednesday, but had to postpone it due to forecasts of gale force winds.

But health and safety and weather officials have given her the go-ahead for an early morning send-off.

Organisers of the Thomson Sport Relief Water Ski Challenge said she aims to set off 'first thing'. Temperatures will be a miserable 7degC, organisers said, with the wind chill below freezing.

Christine was moved to undertake the challenge following a trip to Uganda with Sport Relief in 2008, where she met young people who are living tough lives.

She said: "It's so easy to come home from a trip like that and forget about what you've seen and keep going about your everyday life. I didn't want to do that. I'll never forget the people that I met and I want to do something to help them. Please support me by making a donation as it really will help change lives."

The star's progress can be followed on BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans Breakfast Show, which will have updates live from a boat alongside her. Footage of her challenge can be seen on The One Show tomorrow evening.

To support Christine, make a donation at www.sportrelief.com/christine.