A Todmorden swimmer is set to finish a mammoth fundraising challenge by tackling the length of Windermere in the Lake District.

Chris Dewhirst has been raising funds for the charity Cure Parkinson’s by embarking on the Chillswim Triple Crown – swimming the lengths of lakes Coniston, Ullswater and Windermere in Cumbria.

Chris’ fundraiser is well underway, as he completed the Coniston event (5.25 miles) back in June and Ullswater (7.5 miles) in July.

He’s gearing up to tackle the final and most difficult swim in the challenge; the 11 mile length of Windermere, on Saturday, September 5.

Chris has completed two out of three of the Chillswim Triple Crown lakes so far.

placeholder image — Chris has completed two out of three of the Chillswim Triple Crown lakes so far.

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Chris has been following a dedicated training plan to prepare for the challenges, swimming at his local pool around five times per week for up to two hours at a time.

Cure Parkinson’s is a charity close to Chris’ heart and the important cause has spurred him on during the darkest moments of his challenge.

Chris said: “The low point was mile six of Ullswater, I’d had enough at that point and was having very negative thoughts.

Chris Dewhirst celebrating after swimming Coniston.

"I stuck at it though, which I’m proud of, and my dad was there to see me finish, which was emotional.

“He has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and quite a few of my friends have also been affected by the condition, so that’s my inspiration.”

Chris has raised over £2,170 for the Parkinson’s research charity so far and, with one more lake to swim to go, the end of his challenge is near.

But after his experience at Ullswater, Chris is understandably feeling apprehensive about the final, longest lake in the challenge.

“I’ll be honest," Chris added, “I’m not looking forward to the final swim! It’s a long way!

"I was apprehensive before Coniston, but started to enjoy it once past the halfway mark. I wish I could say the same about Ullswater. It was very tough, and I was very glad to be out the water.”

Helen Matthews, Cure Parkinson’s CEO, said: “Fundraising support is absolutely critical for the charity to enable us to achieve our goal. We aim to cure Parkinson’s and the only way we will do this is through the help of all our incredible supporters like Chris.”

To donate to Chris’ fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/chris-dewhirst-2