AN animal lover from Moore has conquered the biggest challenge of her life for charity.

Amy Peters braved her biggest fear over jellyfish, as well as a fierce thunder and lightning storm, to swim across the English Channel last Saturday.

Her six-strong relay team of swimmers called 'Dover Souls' completed the arduous 22-mile journey in 14 hours and eight minutes.

Their efforts have raised more than £900 for Pets as Therapy.

The charity's volunteers bring dogs and cats on therapeutic visits to help people in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and special schools.

Amy, aged 34, from Sandymoor, said: "As I got in the sun came out and all the jellyfish started floating up – I got stung a few times.

“The thunder and lightning was quite scary. You felt really vulnerable in the water as the lightning hit the sea and lit up the water beneath me.”

Amy registered for the charity swim as she boarded a plane to marry her 34-year-old husband Ian in Kenya last July.

She used to work in shipping and logistics and now runs a pet caring and dog walking business, Creature Comforts Cheshire, with her friend, 31-year-old Gemma Knight.

Their company and clients supported the swimmers.

Amy spent a year training in open water at Salford Quays and the Albert Dock.

She said: “It was so different to being in the middle of a lumpy sea where you can’t see anything except big ships.

“We had really choppy waves and rough seas. It was quite tiring.”

She said they received a surprise welcome when they reached Wissant in France.

Amy added: “It was a little beach with houses overlooking the cliff.

“Residents let off fireworks for us – it was really heartwarming.

“I can’t believe we did it.

“We’re all amateur swimmers – It’s a brilliant achievement.”

Amy hopes to swim to France and back next year.

To support her fundraising visit justgiving.com/AmyPeters1