A SEASONED adventurer has become the first person to swim the length of 14 large lowland lakes in one continuous effort.

Forty-year-old Matt Williams, who has previously climbed Mount Everest and swum the English Channel, not only completed 45 miles of cold-water swimming, but also walked the 100 miles between them.

Just for good measure, Matt also climbed Scafell Pike and Helvellyn during his 10 days and three hours'-long epic.

The renewable energy project builder from Manchester stayed at campsites overnight in his campervan “Ruby”, with wife Bryony and puppy Juno supplying logistical and moral back-up. Friends and family also gave walking and swimming support.

“The weather threw everything at us but we got through it,” said Matt, whose feat of endurance has so far raised £6,170 for Macmillan Cancer Support, after they helped his sister Lucy Westley last year.

The 38-year-old mum of two was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer and Matt is raising money for Macmillan at her request, to say thank you.

His original itinerary saw him swim the length of 13 lowland lakes more than half a mile long - Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water, Bassenthwaite Lake, Wastwater, Derwentwater, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Loweswater, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Elterwater and Brotherswater.

Matt told the Gazette he also took in Devoke Water, the Lake District’s largest tarn, at Birker Fell, near Eskdale.

He embarked on his challenge on Thursday, August 22, and completed it with the Windermere One Way Swim on Sunday, September 1. Matt also took part in the Chillswim Coniston the day before.

The 40-year-old is no stranger to adventure. In 2010 he became the fourth person ever to complete the “Peak and Pond” challenge of climbing Everest (2008) and swimming the English Channel (2010).

Last year he climbed the world’s fourth highest mountain, Lhotse, and he won a silver medal at the triathlon amateur world championships in 2014.

To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/mattwilliamsdoessomestuff