Swimmer completes challenge to cross 10 lakes

An open-water swimmer has completed a challenge to swim Switzerland's 10 largest lakes.

Neil Gilson, from Ilfracombe, Devon, said he finished the challenge when he swam across Lake Geneva in just over 22 hours, finishing on Wednesday morning.

He said: "It's a long swim,10 hours of darkness and lots of pain."

He said after finishing he felt "a little bit broken, lots of little niggles and sore bits, but really pleased that I've managed to get it done".

The rules meant he was fed with food and drink hung in a cup on a pole and he was not allowed to touch the support boat.

He said it was an amazing finish as his children crossed the line with him.

Gilson said he took on the challenge to raise money for Pans Panda UK as one of his children was affected by Pans Pandas, a paediatric autoimmune disorder. He also raised money for The Brain Charity.

Gilson said the challenge "didn't all go to plan" and there was a moment when he fell asleep in the water. But the knowledge 25 friends and family would be with him at the finish at Lake Geneva kept him going.

He added: "It's been a long two years," as he clocked up all 10 swims covering 233 miles (375km).

The Lake Geneva Swimming Association observed and piloted all the swims and Guinness World Records will verify if Gilson has achieved a world first.

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