A PEEBLES woman swam for more than 25 hours to complete a European ultra-marathon challenge and set a new record.

Caroline Connor took on the 45-mile swim in Lake Geneva last week in a bid to raise for two groups at the town’s high school.

When she crossed the finish line on Wednesday morning she became just the 23rd person to have completed the gruelling challenge, and claimed the record time for a wetsuit swimmer.

“The swim was perfect from start to finish, apart from a 10-minute spell toward the end when biblical rain, thunder and lightening descended,” said Caroline. “Everyone on the boat was laughing, waving the saltire, claiming that I should be used to swimming in Scottish weather!”

She added: “The air temperature was 35 degrees and the water was 25 degrees – swimming throughout the night was lovely as it was so cool.

“At the end of the swim I was greeted by dozens of local people who were made aware of my swim when it was announced over a Tannoy at Geneva beach – it was an amazing surprise and a wonderful thing to happen.

“My support crew, which included my husband Grahame, were amazing from start to finish, feeding me and watching over me and providing after care once the swim was over.

“I was determined to complete the swim, even though it was much further than I have ever swum before, and all those hours of training have certainly paid off.”

The Borderer, who works in the school office, took on the challenge to raise cash for the enhanced provision ‘Sunflower classroom’ and Quarriers, the mental health and resilience service which provides support for youngsters.

And Caroline said the fundraiser had “gone through the roof”. She has raised more than £4,300, smashing her original goal of £1,000.

“As always, I have so many people that I need to thank for supporting, encouraging, donating and just generally keeping me focused,” she said. “Husband Grahame, Peebles Hydro, Peebles High School staff, pupils & parents, all the cluster primary schools, my special friends and my swim coaches at the Kings Swimmers based in Dover – thank you all so very much.”

You can find Caroline’s JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/caroline-connorLakeGeneva?utm_term=x4WNNJg8A