AN OPEN water fundraising challenge has raised an incredible £8,000 for the local orthopaedic hospital near Oswestry.

The Mere Mile, which was sponsored by Shropshire Pools and Spas Ltd, took place on Monday, August 29 and saw over 100 swimmers take the plunge and attempt to swim one mile or two and a half miles in the Mere, Ellesmere.

The League of Friends at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) and their partners, Swimfinity, were pleased to see the success of the event that has returned for the third consecutive year.

James Bainbridge of Swimfinity said: "We’re really pleased to have been able to help facilitate the event for the third year in a row.

"Congratulations to each and every swimmer who took part so enthusiastically – we’re incredibly appreciative of the support the event continues to generate, and the amount raised for charity shows the high regard people have for our wonderful local hospital."

Following from the two very successful years, which collectively raised just under £30,000, a number of staff members from the hospital also took part in the challenge, including Mr Ibrahim Roushdi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who took part in the two and a half mile swim.

Ibrahim said: "There was a great atmosphere on the day, and I thoroughly enjoyed challenging myself to the two and a half mile swim.

"At RJAH we’re incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for holding fundraising events such as the Mere Mile – they raise valuable funds that directly support frontline staff and patients."

Members of the Borderlands and Ellesmere Rotary Clubs, safety boat crews, along with kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who took to the water to ensure the swimmers were kept safe throughout, all volunteered for this event.