A LOCAL swimmer has raised hundreds for charity by taking the plunge and swimming more than 25,000 metres.

For the past five months, local swimmer and fundraiser, Jane Duncan has been braving the chilly waters of Bude Sea Pool as she took on the Penguin Challenge to raise money for an important coastal charity.

The Penguin Challenge runs from November 1 to March 31 with the aim being to complete a set number of cold dips or cold swims and distances outdoors in the sea, rivers, lakes or unheated lido during this period over the winter. Those undertaking the challenge are welcome to wear clothing such as wet suits, but must still brave the cold water during this time.

Jane undertook the challenge to raise money for Adsurf. The registered charity, established in 2022 and based at Summerleaze Beach, seeks to provide opportunities for anyone with a physical disability, a mental health condition or a neurodivergent challenge to experience the great benefits for their wellbeing that can come from sea swimming and surfing.

Adsurf's team and its volunteers are presently limited to running regular sessions in Bude but they are ambitious about expanding the charity's reach by enabling sessions to be run in other parts of the South West. This will require funds for a suitable vehicle and trailer to transport participants and equipment and to provide an accessible changing place.

A spokesperson from the charity explained: “Starting small, we hope to develop to include everyone who wants to experience the numerous benefits of the sea and surfing, by providing accessible and adaptive surfing to people with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodiversity.

“AdSurf has access to a great deal of knowledge, experience and qualifications in adaptive surf coaching and a great local community which is already helping to facilitate this activity. “

Jane took part in the Penguin Challenge in the sea pool over the winter months of 2025 and into 2026. After initially setting herself a goal of swimming 15,000 metres, Jane smashed her target, completing a further 10,000 metres, swimming well over 25,000 metres in the pool’s cold temperatures.

Thanks to her impressive efforts, Jane raised £725 from her sponsors to support Adsurf's activities and plans to continue its vital work within Bude.

Despite only recently completing the challenge, Jane is already looking ahead to this winter and has expressed that she intends to repeat the feat in 2026, having even set her sights on exceeding this year’s distance and sum.

Following on from her impressive fundraiser, Jane has continued to support the charity, by undertaking training with Adsurf and is now working as a volunteer with the team.

Commenting on her fundraising efforts, Jane said: “I am so pleased to have been able to contribute to Adsurf''s important work in this way and to be involved in their ongoing activities. I should like to thank very sincerely everyone who supported and sponsored me in the challenge.”