A PEEBLES High school assistant made a splash for charity by swimming the entire length of Loch Lomond.

As reported on the Border Telegraph website last week, Caroline Connor spent weeks training at Peebles Hydro.

She completed her challenge on Monday, in 12 hours, 22 minutes and 35 seconds, nearly two hours less than she anticipated. 

And her efforts certainly paid off, after smashing her £1,000 fundraising target for Diabetes UK.

Caroline told us: “I did it! The weather was quite brutal for the first four hours, not quite as expected but typical Scottish weather. I wasn’t exhausted at the end, just tired and now have a sore shoulder.

“But it was very emotional as I completed it, with so many people waiting to see me finish.

“I started the swim at 5.20am at Ardlui and swam 22 miles to Balloch. I swam non-stop but was fed every hour from the support boat, which I was not allowed to touch. I trod water for up to a minute while I tried to digest the food and fluids.

“I loved every minute of it and never thought of giving up, I knew I was going to succeed. The messages from family and friends made me even more determined.

“I don’t have an exact total I have raised but it will be in the region of £1,600 which is absolutely amazing and I am so grateful to everyone that has supported me.”

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caroline-connor1