Fundraiser's first charity open water swim inspired by son

Liza Raby has been raising money for various charities for over 20 years

A mother whose son has inspired her to raise money for charities for more than 20 years has completed her first sponsored open water swim.

Liza Raby, from Bourne, Lincolnshire, raised more than £4,000 when she completed the 3km (two-mile) swim at Burghley Park, near Peterborough, in one hour and eight minutes on Saturday.

The 54-year-old hairdressing salon owner has dedicated the past 20 years to raising over £170,000 for various charities.

Her son Spencer, 25, has multiple learning disabilities and relies on full-time care but Miss Raby said: "He is my inspiration to be happy - he has such a fulfilled life."

She took part in the event alongside friends and said: "I was very emotional when I got out, I thought I was going to cry."

Miss Raby said she started training in September and also had training and tips from Sophie Etheridge who has fibromyalgia and swam the English Channel on her own in August.

"I wanted to make a difference in my community," said Miss Raby.

"[Before my son was born] I had never been around anyone with a disability and I had to learn about the disability world along the way."

She added: "I want to do more open swimming - I have cancelled my indoor swimming membership."