She has done it! Land’s End to John O’Groats by sea, swimming in the cold and choppy waters of the UK.
Last night (Tuesday), a 23-year-old long distance swimmer from Thirsk became the first woman to swim the entire length of the western coast of England and Scotland.
Jasmine Harrison was stung many times on her face and hands by jellyfish and was even followed by a shark along the gruelling 900-mile journey.
Jasmine began her swim in July and has spent up to 12 hours in the sea for more than 110 days.
The swimming teacher and motivational speaker already holds a world record for being the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic in February last year.
To complete the journey from Cornwall to Scotland she had to swim between four and 12 hours a day.
Swimming in two shifts gave her time on the support boat to eat and sleep.
She managed 31 miles on one day.
Speaking after the challenge, the world record-holder said: “From the moment I first dived into the water to finally reaching dry land again, this has been a truly epic experience.
“From all the jellyfish to the constant cold and chafing from my wetsuit, it’s been really tough, but at the time it was also incredibly rewarding.”
When not swimming, the intrepid athlete would manage logistics of her trip, such as refuelling, crew changes and boat management.
She ate a normal diet throughout, but added “plenty of chocolate bars.”
Ms Harrison, who is a county ambassador for Girlguiding North Yorkshire North East, said she undertook the challenge to inspire others, but also to support two charities; Sea Shepherd UK, a marine conservation charity whose aim it is to end the destruction of ocean habitats, and Surfers Against Sewage, a charity working to keep UK coasts clean.
“This challenge has further inspired me to work with organisations driven by protecting the environment and I hope too that by doing this I have inspired others and shown that when you put your mind to something, anything is possible and you can overcome any obstacles that are put in your way,” she said.
More details about that can be found on her Facebook feed, The Full Length – Jasmine Harrison.
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