SWIMMING 21 miles - the width of the English Channel - in seven days is a tough challenge.


But one Winsford resident managed to complete more than 1,300 lengths of the pool at the town's Lifestyle Centre with two days to spare - and even returned on Saturday for a mile of honour.


Before she started Karen Holden was hoping to swim around 3 miles each day but after doing five miles on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday last week the 49-year-old order picker at H&M was nearing the 21-mile total well ahead of schedule.


Karen, who took a week off work to complete the swimathon, said: "I really enjoyed it.


"By Wednesday the bottom of my back was sore because I can only do breaststroke but I completed the 21 miles by Friday.


"It's definitely given me the determination to do another challenge but I'm just not sure what it will be!"


Karen is raising money for St Luke's Hospice in Winsford and once all the donations have been collected she's hoping to have around £1,100.


If you would like to make a donation to boost Karen's fundraising total visit
http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Karen-Holden5