Teams complete Children in Need swim challenge

BBC Radio Surrey apprentice Morgan Webb has been swimming for the team

Local BBC radio teams in the South East have completed their Children in Need swimming challenge.

The teams from Kent, Surrey and Sussex began swimming a combined 48 miles (77.2km) on Monday and finished on Friday afternoon.

BBC Radio Surrey producer Sophia Atkins, who is also a swimming teacher, conquered two miles (3.2km) every day for the challenge.

She said: “I’m exhausted but I’m enjoying it. Children in Need helps some great charities in our area so that’s why I’m doing it.”

BBC Radio Sussex presenter Sarah Gorrell has been swimming along with producers Steve Dale and Will Flockton

BBC Radio Surrey apprentice Morgan Webb said: "I've grown up with Children in Need, I remember every year sitting down to watch it with my parents, I remember the build up to it at school when we'd start fundraising, we'd be wearing Pudsey ears, we'd be wearing the wristbands, it was a really big deal.

"To be able to actually be a part of it and to just do something I love, which is swimming, and to combine those two things, it feels really special."

BBC Radio Kent's Adam Dowling also took part in the challenge despite the fact he cannot swim.

He had his first swimming lesson in more than 30 years in the run up to the challenge and swam 25 metres without the aid of a float.

He said: "I felt quite emotional when I arrived at the deep end.

"I struggled with my breathing towards the end - but I did it!"

Listeners Mary and Don popped down to Sea Lanes Brighton to support the team

Executive producer Vicki Berry said: “The team have been so impressive, firstly [by] volunteering to dive straight in, but [also by] sticking to it this week.”

BBC radio stations across the UK were hoping to collectively swim 1,000 miles and have so far raised over £100,000.

The Thousand Mile Challenge is being supported by former Team GB swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster.

To find out more, head to bbc.co.uk/swim.