A PENINSULA local who took to cold water swimming during lockdown has completed a month long fundraising swim event.

Victoria McQueen, from Clynder, completed 12.6 miles, or 24 swims, in the freezing water of Gareloch as part of a community fund-raising event hosted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) titled The Mayday Mile.

Over the course of the month, the 48-year-old faced hail and rain as she swam, bashed her knee and was regularly accompanied by a seal who followed her on her journey.

Victoria raised over £1000 for charity throughout her swimming journey

Victoria raised over £1000 for charity throughout her swimming journey

Victoria told the Advertiser: "It was a tough month weather wise with some very choppy waves and Baltic headwind.

The last two days were blissful with sunny skies and the water temperature reaching 10 degrees.

READ MORE: Clynder cold water swimmer sets out to give RNLI a helping hand with month-long challenge

"My swimming buddy Mr Seal swam with me for about five of my swims he gets quite close which is just amazing.

"I had bashed my knee off a large rock half way through the month, that was hard to keep going with a swollen knee but I was determined to finish.

"Also, the day we had torrential hail and gusts of 35mph was a day I’ll never forget, I still don’t think my face has recovered from that."

Victoria raised over £1000 for charity throughout her swimming journey

Victoria raised over £1000 for charity throughout her swimming journey

Victoria raised £1070 for the RNLI, which will help ensure their workers have the kit and training that they need to answer emergency calls.

“Thanks to Ali Beattie for her support, encouragement and the most amazing cake." Victoria continued, "and to all my friends and family that have donated which really kept me going – especially on the Baltic days."