AN Ilam-based coach driver has completed a marathon 24-hour swim to help people devastated by the earthquake in Haiti.
Bev Hughes, 46, who drives for Warringtons Coaches, spent the whole of Wednesday swimming at Longton High School, in Stokeon- Trent, where she used to go to school.
Throughout the course of the day she managed 1,251 lengths — equivalent to 17.5 miles. Bev is no stranger to charity events having completed two similar efforts for her daughter’s school and firefighters affected by the September 11 terror attacks inthe USA.
However, this time she had to overcome a shoulder injury to raise more than £1,200 for the disaster zone.
She said: “I was eight hours in when I switched from breaststroke to front crawl and I heard a cracking noise in my shoulder.
“I knew I had pulled something as I was in agony. Thankfully Matthew Finney, a young assistant, stepped in while I was being treated.
“He did a wonderful job and I’m so grateful to him and the big team of volunteer lifeguards who were there to help me, giving up their free time.” Ms Hughes swam in six-hour stints, with five-minute breaks giving her time to have a drink or a light snack Following the injury, Bev had to switch to the side stroke for the remaining 16 hours.
Bev admitted that it is one of the hardest challenged she has faced.
She said: “It was extremely tough and very difficult compared to last time — I believe it’s the furthest I’ve ever swam.
“However, it was all for a worthwhile cause and I hope to finally raise more than £2,000 once all the sponsorship money comes in.” Ms Hughes decided to embark on the challenge after seeing the harrowing scenes in Haiti on the television.
She said: “I was watching the news and it when I saw the baby being pulled out of the rubble I knew I had to try and do something.
“I then thought, what am I good at? Then I thought, driving and swimming.
“I’m so happy that I completed the challenge and want to thank all the businesses and individuals that supported me.”