A COFFEE shop owner is nearing the end of a mammoth year-long challenge to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Bobbi Fisher, owner of About Time Espresso Bar in Kendal’s Shambles, began her quest to complete 365 consecutive lake swims back in April 2021 as a way to motivate herself following a year of lockdowns.

"The covid lockdowns had a profound effect on my mental health and swimming soon became a focus,” she said.

“Once I'd completed 10 days back-to-back I thought, why stop now? And the challenge was born."

But three months into her quest, Miss Fisher's father was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma and the challenge took on a new meaning. She then decided to use the swims to raise both money and awareness for Cancer Research UK.

“It has been hard at times, particularly in the cold winter months, but the sense of achievement and money raised so far has made it all worth the effort,” she said.

Miss Fisher will complete her 365th swim on Wednesday, April 13 in Windermere, and is already planning her next challenge.