A PAIR of swimmers took the plunge to raise money for one of their favourite charities.

Thelwall residents Janice Brown aged 63, and Laura Mottram aged 41, were due to take part in the Great North Swim at Windermere, in September, to raise money for the Guide Dogs Charity.

But when toxic blue-green algae was found the event was cancelled.

When it was reorganised at Capernwray Quarry, Lancashire, the pair were keen to take part.

So far they have raised more than £2,600 through online sponsorship and fundraising parties.

Janice said: “We were devastated when we heard the event would be cancelled, because of all the great support people gave us. But it was an exhilarating, wonderful experience.”

Laura and Janice felt the need to challenge themselves and decided on the open-air swimming event.

Janice explained: “When we were training, we swam in the evenings and saw some wonderful sunsets.”

“The swim was a wonderful experience that I would never have missed.”

The two friends spent the summer planning parties to raise money, including holding an open-air garden party.

Janice credits the success of the event to the hard work of friends and family. , She said: “There was a real community spirit.”

They chose the Guide Dogs charity because the cause is personal to both of them – Laura’s husband is a vet and they are a dog-loving family, and Janice has friends who train guide puppies.

Laura has completed in swimming events and triathlons in the past, but this was Janice’s first outdoor event.