Published: 10/03/2010 09:43 - Updated: 10/03/2010 10:07

CHARITY swimmer Beverley Hughes has completed her epic 24 hour swim — clocking up more than 17 miles in the process.

The coach driver set out to raise funds for people left devastated by the earthquake in Haiti by swimming non-stop for 24 hours and, despite a crippling injury developing half-way through she completed it and is hoping to have raised as much as £2,000.

Bev, 46, who drives for Warringtons Coaches in Ilam, spent the whole of last Wednesday swimming at Longton High School, in Stoke-on-Trent, where she used to go to school.

Throughout the course of the day she managed 1,251 lengths — equivalent to 17.5 miles and this epic challenge was not the first time she has set out to raise money for disaster victims — Bev has completed two similar efforts for her daughter’s school to help fire-fighters affected by the September 11 terror attacks.

This attempt nearly turned to disaster, however, when she developed her shoulder injury. She said: “I was eight hours in when I switched from breast-stroke 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 challenges 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.

Charity swimmer competes challenge for Haiti