Landscape architect Kate Richards has swum the 11 miles across Lake Windermere to complete her Aquasphere Chillswim Lakes Triple Crown Challenge.

She had already swum the seven miles and five miles across the Ullswater and Coniston lakes, and has now raised almost £1,000 for Surfers Against Sewage in the process.

It marks a huge achievement for the chair of Landscape Institute Wales and was recently promoted to become a director of Land Studio.

“I’m really proud of myself for completing what was an extremely grueling challenge. Swimming can seem like a lonely sport, especially when you’re in the water and you can’t talk to anyone,” says Richards.

“Despite this, I hugely appreciate all the support I’ve received before and after every event, in all its forms. I’ve had lovely messages from friends and family, words of advice from my lane partner Derek, to my parents-in-law looking after our dog Tenby while I drag the family up the M6 again.

“The biggest mention goes of course to my husband Simon who, ever since I first considered swimming in the River Dee 11 years ago, has walked, cycled and even kayaked alongside me, carried my bags and always believed in me.”

Kate, who is based in Chester, built up her open water swimming experience at Park in the Past near Hope, and at the Llyn Padarn lake in Eryri National Park.

She is at 92% of her fundraising target, at time of publication, and her JustGiving page can be found online.