As you settle into your couch to watch Sunday evening TV, a Brisbane grandmother could be wading into the English Channel for her attempt at three world records.
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Irene Keel, 73, is eyeing this weekend as one of her last opportunities to conquer the famed divide, with the prospect of becoming the oldest person in history to swim from England to France.
A successful crossing will also make her the record-holder as oldest woman and oldest Australian.
"Three titles for the price of one swim - I think that's pretty good," Keel said from Dover, where she will commence the 34km marathon.
A grandmother-of-three from Tingalpa, who did not take up swimming until she was 50, Keel is undertaking the challenge in honour of friend Scott Sullivan who died in April from motor neurone disease.
The strident supporter of MND and ME Foundation has already exceeded her target of raising $7000 worth of donations for the cause.
"Each time I saw him he was going downhill a bit more and yet he always had a smile on his face," Keel said, adding that her pilot boat The Optimist would carry a large banner with his photograph.
"That will be my inspiration and motivation across the Channel."
Preparation for the swim has been taken care of by Albany Creek distance swim specialist Trent Grimsey, the man who boasts the fastest English Channel crossing in six hours and 55 minutes.
It is expected Irene could take up to three times longer to traverse the channel.
"The clock doesn't matter so much for Irene," said Grimsey.
"But as much as it is physically challenging, it is even tougher mentally.
"Anytime you face the prospect of doing something for potentially 16-to-20 hours - even if it's sitting at a desk - it does your head in.
"Saying that, she's a great athlete who goes above and beyond in everything she does."
Grimsey said he thought it was "pretty cool" when Irene, his oldest client, came to him with the challenge in mind.
She had previously crossed the channel three times as part of relay teams, but never on a solo mission.
The current holder as oldest swimmer of the English Channel is Bondi lifesaver Cyril Baldock, 70, who only claimed the title on Wednesday.
Keel's toughest opponent however will be mother nature, with her guaranteed window of opportunity for the swim expiring Sunday night (UK time).
There is the possibility she can reapply for a permit to swim the channel up until September 5, but she will not necessarily be granted permission.
"It's a waiting game and you have to have patience," Keel said.
"If you haven't, then it starts playing with your head and that's no good."
Chief executive of the MND and ME Foundation Paul Olds said that Keel was a "champion and lovely lady" who had only agreed to media exposure so she could support the charity.
He joined in Keel's training regime at times to gain an appreciation of the sacrifice and says her preparation has also included pilates, gym and hours of activity outside the pool.
"She got hooked on swimming later in life to treat a bad back and she really enjoyed the camaraderie and exercise," says Olds.
"The thing about the English Channel is...she told me 'I don't want to have any regrets. Let's have a crack. Let's do this'."
People wanting to support Keel and MND research can visit her Everyday Giving page.
Her support boat can be tracked over the journey via this link.
