WINSFORDIAN, Azahar Hughes, completed a gruelling open water swim across the UK’s largest lake on Sunday, September 14 to raise money for charity.

The 45-year-old swam Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland alongside friend, Pete Ormrod, in support of the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust and PINNT – a charity for people receiving artificial nutrition.

“We’re both feeling a little sore and stiff, and swimming has become a bit of swear word,” said Azahar.

“The weather wasn’t the best with 14-15kts winds giving 0.5m swells, which might not sound like much, but it made the going a bit tougher.

“The swells disrupted our rhythm and made breathing challenging, so we both ended up swallowing a lot of water.”

Despite the adverse conditions, the duo managed the 18.8 mile swim in just over 11 hours, starting at 10.30am and finishing at 9.40pm.

They’ve raised £1,200 of a £1,500 target. To donate, search ‘Lough Neagh Swim Challenge’ at virginmoneygiving.com.