INSPIRED by the tragic death of two of her friends, a Kingdown School pupil has completed a mammoth swimming challenge to raise money for a memorial bench in their name.

Tegan Gibson was left heartbroken when Jackson Watters and Millie Crouch died in a car accident driving home from school in October last year.

With heartache still present, the determined 12-year-old set herself a challenge of swimming 156 miles – or 9,984 lengths of a swimming pool – in 78 days to raise funds for a memorial bench to be placed in the school and has so far raised over £2,000.

The Year 8 pupil, who was best friends with Millie, said: “Millie and I talked about going to Wales together so in her and Jackson's memory I decided to set myself a challenge to swim the distance from Warminster to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and back within 78 days.

“During our journey I had plenty of up and down days but thinking about Millie and Jackson and all of the happy memories we’ve created together inspired me to get up at 6am every morning to complete at least one mile, which is 64 lengths, and then to return in the evening to complete my second mile.

“Along the way I met some wonderful, kind hearted people who gave me educational lessons in the changing room as well as so much support in the pool in the mornings.”

With tired limbs and the finishing line approaching, the keen swimmer visited Warminster Swimming Pool for one final time to complete the last mile.

Poolside was busier than usual with her friends and family eager to watch the final stages of her epic challenge, and there was also a very special guest there to cheer her on.

“All of a sudden I caught a glimpse of a white GB jacket and then clocked the blonde hair. Then I realised it was one of my heroes – Stephanie Millward,” added Tegan.

“Stephanie asked if she could swim the last 400m with me and of course I said yes. As we came down on our final length the volume increased on poolside, with mixed emotions, and we finally made it.

“I’m so very grateful to everyone, it has left me speechless at times and we’ve smashed our fundraising target which is completely awesome.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in our journey. I’m completely blown away.”

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/tegangibson