TESTED to the limits of endurance, recruitment consultant Ben Evans has raised a huge amount for charity after swimming the full length of Lake Windermere.

Ben, based at Russell Taylor Group’s headquarters in Bromborough, tackled the gruelling Windermere One Way challenge and brought in more than £630 for Claire House children’s hospice, the company’s charity of the year.

He said: “The 11-mile swim along England’s longest lake was very tough but, at the same time, was a really rewarding experience.

“The first half was a huge physical test with the second half being a purely mental one.

“After about six miles, the pain started to set in. I completed it in just less than six hours - but it seemed a lot longer!

“Most of the time was spent with my head beneath the water but, when I did get chance to look up, there were some truly spectacular views.”

To prepare for the Windermere challenge, Ben swam the length of Lake Coniston, a distance of five-and-a-half miles, and the three-mile stretch of Lake Bala. He also swam a number of long distances while training in the swimming pool. A keen swimmer all his life, Ben is also a cyclist and runner and has competed in triathlon events.

But he explained: “No matter how strong a swimmer you are, nothing really prepares you for the challenges of open water swimming compared to swimming in a pool, with temperature currents and waves to contend with.”

He added: “Completing the swim was an amazing achievement for me and a chance to support Claire House and the work it does for seriously and terminally ill children and their families.

“The support of all my sponsors definitely gave me that extra bit of energy to complete it.

"At the moment, I’m staying well clear of swimming any distances like this. But who knows - maybe the English Channel in the future?”