Donations in memory of a woman who died after collapsing in the water while attempting to swim the Channel from Dover have soared to more than £80,000.

Reports that an anonymous donor had given £300,000 is now being regarded as a hoax, as the money has not materialised in the bank.

Charity swimmer Susan Taylor, who set off from Samphire Hoe early on Sunday, got into serious difficulties as she neared the end of her 21-mile challenge.

The 34-year-old was airlifted to hospital in France, but died at around 7pm.

Accountant Mrs Taylor was attempting the gruelling swim to raise money for two charities, Diabetes UK and the Rainbows Hospice for children and young people in the East Midlands.

Her two appeals have now reached more than £80,000 - including a donation from TV star David Walliams who has also swum the Channel.

Mrs Taylor's father, Arthur Wright, said he has lost "the best person in the whole world".

French coastguard officials said the alarm was raised and emergency services were called near Cap Gris-Nez, just off the French coast.

Mrs Taylor's brother wrote on Facebook: "Whilst attempting to swim the English Channel yesterday my sister, Susan, collapsed suddenly in the water.

"She was immediately recovered from the water and treated on the support boat. She was then airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Boulonge.

"Susan tragically passed away. Thank you for your messages of support. Please respect the family's privacy whilst they come to terms with what has happened.

"If you would like to leave a sign of respect please feel free to donate to her fundraising page."

Ms Taylor, from Barwell, Leicestershire, was undertaking the swim to raise money for the Rainbows Hospice, which cares for children and young people in the East Midlands, and for Diabetes UK. Supporters had already pledged more than £2,000 to each charity.

Thousands more has since been added to that total as dozens of supporters left messages of condolence. Contributions were being made virtually by the minute. Donations can be made by clicking here.

Liz Hatch said: "So sad to read that this brave, generous and kind lady didn't quite make it. RIP lovely soul.

Charlotte Jardine said: "So sad to hear that Susan passed away doing something so worthwhile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."

And Daniel Shimmin said: "Well done for trying, I hope that this unfortunate end to your bid can at least have a silver lining for the children you were seeking to raise money for."

In a statement, the Channel Swimming Association said: "Susan was known and loved by so many including those at the CSA of whom many knew her personally.

"Susan was raising money for Rainbows for her Channel solo swim and trained so hard.

"We extend our sympathy and thoughts to her family and friends at this very sad time. Such a tragic loss under valiant circumstances."

Ms Taylor was financing the swim herself, so that every penny raised would go to the charity.

Ms Taylor described herself as "highly dedicated, enthusiastic and driven to achieve the desired results".

As well as swimming, she enjoyed wing-walking and racing cars. "I'm no typical accountant," she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Taylor's swimming coach has revealed that she didn’t want medals or awards - she just wanted to pick up a pebble from the French coast where she landed.

Paul Ferrier described the tragic events that unfolded when Mrs Taylor was just a mile from France.

Mr Ferrier was on board the escort boat along with Mrs Taylor’s husband Stephen and her brother David.

He said she was on top form when she set off from Samphire Hoe at 2am on Sunday July 14.

“She seemed to hit a wall - a bit like marathon runners do - and became heavily fatigued. It came over her very quickly.”

But then she said she could not feel her legs.

Mr Ferrier, who had coached her since she was a youngster, urged her to give up the swim.

“I said “Susan, stop now. Come to this boat’. You have to understand the stubborness of this woman.

“She was swimming breaststroke, then she looked at us and smiled, at which point we thought she’d collected herself. She did three more strokes before she collapsed.

“There was no conversation from her so my lasting impression, no matter what happened afterwards, was her smile.”

Mr Ferrier said she had been determined to finish the swim - and pick up a pebble from the French beach.

“She wanted her pebble,” he said. “There are no medals - she wanted a pebble from a French beach, to put wherever, I don’t know whether it was at Rainbows, but as family, as friends, we knew that was the goal, the simplicity of her reward.”

She is the eighth person to have died while swimming the Channel since Capt Matthew Webb's first swim in 1875.

The last death was last year when Irishman Páraic Casey, 45, became ill just 1km from the French coast.

Attempts to resuscitate him by crew on the boat and medics flown in by a French rescue helicopter were unsuccessful.

All would-be Channel swimmers have to undergo training sessions and provide medical certificates to vouch for their fitness.