A swimmer has raised £11,000 for a Stockport-based charity in a remarkable fundraising challenge.

Nicola Done-Orrell completed four 'terrifying' open-water swims, raising thousands of pounds for St Ann's Hospice in the process.

St Ann's is based in Heald Green, and supports people across Greater Manchester who are affected by life-limiting illnesses.

To raise the money, Nicola took on relay swims around Jersey Island and across the English Channel. She also did two solo swims; one at Lake Windemere and the other at Ullswater, both in the Lake District.

She said that whilst each open water swim came with its own mental and physical challenge, the English Channel was a standout.

"It's terrifying, because you've got to swim with jellyfish", Nicola said. "I was stung in my first hour. But you've got to get back in the water, because you are part of a team and if you don't you'll all be disqualified.

"It was cold - only 14 degrees - so that also added to the struggle of getting back into the water."

Nicola braved chilly temperatures, jellyfish, and choppy waters to raise money for St Ann's Hospice (Image supplied)

 Still, despite the hardships, Nicola and her team swam the English Channel in 12 hours and 18 minutes.

That's not to say, however, that the other swims were a 'swim' in the park, so to speak.

After all, swimming Lake Windermere alone was Nicola's longest solo swim to date, at 10.5 miles.

Still, as a veteran swimmer, there are few things Nicola likes more than taking to the open waters. She has also previously raised over £6,000 for the hospice following her first open-water swim at Coniston Lake in the Lake District in 2022.

And whilst Nicola may now have completed five open-water swims, that does not mean she is ready to stop. She is hoping to do a solo swim from Jersey Island to France next year in a 14-mile, solo open-water swim, also in aid of St Ann's Hospice.

You can donate to Nicola's cause through her Just Giving fundraiser.

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