AN AUTISTIC boy is set to face his fears as he and his swim team take on the challenge of crossing the English Channel for charity.

Theo Naylor, who lives by Knutsford fire station, is hoping to raise £1,000 for Mencap - a charity which helps those with learning disabilities.

The 14-year-old is part of a school swim team - the 'Beech Hall Mencap Marvels' - and they were happy to take part in the Channel challenge.

Mum Lisa Naylor spoke of her insprational son, who has had to overcome struggles with his own mental health and accept his autism diagnosis.

She said: "I’m very proud of him, he is facing all his fears with this swim.

Knutsford Guardian: Theo Naylor with the Mencap MarvelsTheo Naylor with the Mencap Marvels (Image: Lisa Naylor)

"As a mum I’m obviously absolutely petrified of letting him go, but he’s been so brave about it all, so I guess I have to be a bit more like him."

The team will be swimming the Channel in a relay, taking an hour each for the swim which is, at its shortest, 21 miles.

Leaving on August 20, the team have set apart an eight-day window to complete the swim, before they return home at the end of the month.

Knutsford Guardian:

The team is made up of youngsters from Theo’s school Beech Hall School in Macclesfield, and includes a group of year seven students and one from year eight.

Theo is a senior member of the swim team and acted as a mentor for the younger students.

Despite a fear of jellyfish, and the daunting task of crossing the channel, Theo is unphased.

Lisa added: "He inspires them all. He channels his fear and anxiety into something good to help coach them and push them on."

Knutsford Guardian:

One big help to Theo in overcoming his struggles has been assistance dog Malone, who was secured for the family with help from the Fire Fighters Charity.

Dad Anthony Naylor, a firefighter, turned to the charity for help in securing a deposit to get on the assistance dog waiting list.

But once he was with the family, Theo's new four-legged companion had a profound impact on him.

Lisa added: "With his assistance dog by his side, Theo has grown so much, building resilience, determination, and leadership. He’s grown into a confident and caring young man."