BBC Radio Cumbria team take on charity swimming challenge

The Thousand Mile Swim Challenge, part of the BBC Children in Need Appeal, saw radio station teams across the country swimming to raise funds.

Each swimmer committed to 64 lengths from November 4 to November 8, aiming for a collective 24-mile total.

Listeners could follow their progress on the radio and social media.

In preparation, the team trained at Sands Leisure Centre, run by GLL, a charitable social enterprise operating Better Leisure Centres nationwide.

Cockermouth Leisure Centre also hosted a special training session with Sean Balmer, head coach at Cockermouth Swimming Club, and Luke Greenbank, the first British athlete to win a men's 200m backstroke Olympic medal, taking bronze at Tokyo 2020.

The session, filmed for BBC Look North, focused on the benefits of swimming as exercise.

From left to right: Luke Greenbank and Sean Balmer (Image: BBC Radio Cumbria) Matthew Graham, health and fitness manager at the Sands Centre, said: "It was a tough challenge that the presenters took on, but with a lot riding on them achieving their goal to raise money and support vital charity projects in communities right across the UK, we were very keen to help."

"We have great swimming facilities here and a range of sessions for people to develop their skills, so we knew we could offer our support, in the best possible way, for what they needed.

"We're delighted that the team reached their goal.

"It was no mean feat."

Ben Maeder, communities journalist at BBC Radio Cumbria, added: "Better Leisure Centres have been an incredible support in the run up to and during the epic swim challenge.

"I know the team really appreciated being able to use the facilities whilst doing their bit for Children in Need."

The Thousand Mile Swim Challenge has already raised more than £100,000 for BBC Children in Need.

People are encouraged to continue donating to the cause by visiting the BBC Children in Need website.