A GIRL from Bude has emerged triumphant after taking on a mega swimming challenge in an effort to raise money for a local fundraising group.

Since February 25, Daisy Gregory has been showing her determination as she set out to swim a massive 22.5 miles in aid of Animal Free Research UK’s Bude group as they prepare to celebrate their tenth anniversary.

The challenge saw Daisy take to the local swimming pool in order to tackle this mammoth challenge.

Daisy has a lovely assistance dog called Poppy, who is her best friend. Daisy and her mother Lynn Green support the work of Animal Free Research UK in funding innovative, human relevant, non-animal medical research.

Community ambassador for Animal Free Research UK’s Bude group Steph Jones-Giles said: “In our tenth year we are inviting ten individuals, pairs, groups or businesses to join us by pledging to raise £100 each. In January, Tania Cordeiro donated all her 60th birthday money to us in lieu of presents and raised an amazing £230.”

Daisy loves the Fisherman's Friends and so the idea was born to swim the equivalent distance from Bude to Port Isaac over the course of a month. Supported by her mother Lynn and Poppy of course.

Steph continued: “Daisy, Lynn and I were chatting and Daisy said she wanted to help. Daisy has so many skills and talents it was difficult to narrow it down to one event, however once the idea of swimming virtually to Port Isaac was suggested, Daisy was clear this was the one!

“It is no small challenge when you consider just one mile is 64 lengths of the pool.”

With only one month to complete the challenge, Daisy got to work and showed everyone what she was made of, swimming sometimes hundreds of lengths in a single session. However, this giant task would take some serious dedication, with Daisy required to swim more than 1,400 lengths in total.

Despite this, Daisy pushed on, showing determination and a desire to beat this high challenge, all while wearing a smile on her face. Getting closer and closer to her target, on March 26 she completed her final push, completing all 1,440 lengths.

With the hard work complete, locals had also been digging deep into their pockets to show their support, raising more than £2,500 for the cause.

Steph added: “She's done it! 22.5 miles (1,440 lengths) Daisy's Bude to Port Isaac Virtual Swim Challenge complete and Daisy has raised more than £2,500 including gift aid.

“That is just amazing, Daisy you are a superstar and this money will make such a huge difference to Professor Lorna Harries and team at Animal Free Research UK's Animal Replacement Centre in Exeter.

“Huge thanks to mum Lynn Green for her commitment to Daisy in everything she does - the A Team! Great turnout to cheer Daisy home tonight. Thank you everyone who has supported her in any way. Animal Free Research UK: Bude are extremely grateful for the support.”