A MUSICIAN is today making a splash to thank the charity that saved her life.

Cellist Yvonne Marie Parsons will attempt to swim the nine miles between the Needles on the Isle of Wight and Hengistbury Head in Christchurch with violinist Neil McTaggart and saxophonist and clarinet player Daniel Czwatos.

The 34-year-old, from London, decided to take part in the challenge for The Royal Society of Musicians (RSM) after the country’s oldest music charity raised £2,000 for Yvonne to have pioneering treatment for her auto immune deficiency, which she developed in her teens.

She said: “This is a colossal undertaking both physically and mentally for us, at a distance of approximately nine miles with an expected completion time of four to six hours.

“This will be an extraordinary achievement and a massive gesture that hopefully will reflect the amazing work of the RSM.

“Even though the RSM have never asked for a return of the money, I wanted then, as I do now, to continue to raise more money so they can help others as they helped me, for without them I wouldn't be here today.”

Yvonne, Daniel, 26, of London, and Neil, 42, from Kent will be followed by three kayaks and two safety boats led by Aqua Therapy Marine Charters’ Alan and Scott Smith, as they power across the Channel.