Blue Peter presenter to ‘zorb’ between Donaghadee and Portpatrick

Lindsey will run inside a big ball, akin to a hamster’s wheel for humans, known as a ‘zorb’.

This particular zorb has specially designed paddles to help it move through the water, however the crossing could take around 14 hours – the same time it would take to swim the 22-mile distance.

This is the first time anyone has attempted this feat before.

Lindsey left the beach at Donaghadee at 6:30am this morning and will dock in Portpatrick harbour in Galloway.

At 8:15am, Lindsey had completed four miles of her journey in open water.

Sunrise for @Linds_bluepeter @sportrelief #magic pic.twitter.com/QYbRQxNqqd

— Greg Whyte OBE (@gpwhyte) February 25, 2016

Lindsey prepared for today’s event by going to the gym six days a week for five months. The hectic workout focused on leg and arm muscles.

She said that although the zorb is quite claustrophobic, visibility through the structure is actually quite good.

Footage of the challenge will air on the CBBC channel on 17 March.