AN INTREPID supporter of new Haslemere-based charity THINK18 has braved the fearsome Straits of Gibralter to raise funds.

Margaret Peet, a close friend of Shillinglee resident and charity founder Tessa Denison, aims to raise £1,500 for THINK18, which supports young adults with learning difficulties.

Tessa raised £11,000 at the charity launch in June at Old Thorns Country Hotel with the help of television’s Greatest Dancer contestant Andrew Self.

Tessa said: “Margaret is one of three amazing women fundraising. Together they have raised more than £3,500 and donations are still rising. They are raising funds for a minibus and various activities we are looking to provide, such as discos, cinema club, pub visits and much more.

“Margaret swam the Straits of Gibraltar, a distance of 18km from Europe to Africa, making it the toughest challenge yet. It is part of the Oceans Seven challenge – the seven hardest channel swims in the world.”

Margaret added: “I cracked it finally. After 3½ years of training and one previous attempt, I finally managed to swim from Europe to Africa.

“The Gibraltar Straits is not an easy swim – fewer than 500 people achieve it a year, most in wetsuits. I was with three friends – all in cozzies.

“The Atlantic comes shooting into the Mediterranean. It was like spending six hours, 18 minutes in a washing machine.”

* Donations are still welcomed at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaretpeet. More information at www.think18.org.uk