Swimmers tackle the Thames for hero troops

A group of eight swimmers have completed a marathon relay race in order to support soldiers who have served their country.

Raising money for Help for Heroes, Claire Mans, Sam Carson, Tim Endersby, Ben Watkiss, James Hilditch, Jo Crisp, Sarah Downes and Louise Hewlett all ran from the Thames source in Kemble, Gloucestershire and then swam down the river from Hannington Bridge to Teddington Lock in Twickenham.

According to swimming.org, the group swam for more than 200 kilometres in order to complete their mission, which was inspired by extreme swimmer Lewis Pugh, who first completed the course in 2006.

The group ended up collecting more than £15,000 for the charity, which aids soldiers wounded in action.

Sky News recently reported that some of its presenters, including Colin Brazier and Jon Desborough, will take part in a cricket match organised to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Posted by Samantha Thompson