For many people, the idea of swimming over two miles in open water gives them the shivers, but not fundraiser Lucy Blayney.

In July, 27-year-old Lucy from Pembroke is taking on The Wales Swim, a 2.4 mile course in Tenby.

Lucy is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support who helped her grandmother throughout her battle with bone cancer in May 2017.

Shirley Blayney, Lucy's nan, sadly died in December 2017 but Lucy vowed to fundraise for the charity as a way of saying thank you.

Speaking about training for this challenge Lucy said: “I have always loved swimming and I am pretty quick! I’ve never swum open water but I did spend most of my childhood in the sea at the local beaches.

“Tenby is gorgeous and I have been lucky enough to live five miles away! The sea does not scare me and I am so looking forward to the challenge.

“To anyone thinking of fundraising I’d say don’t let anyone put you down, and keep going! It’s an amazing feeling when someone donates and believes in you.

“A doctor has said to me earlier this year that she thought a girl my size wouldn’t be able to do the long course. I’m only a size 16! And I thought to myself ‘you’re wrong!’”

Lucy started her training in indoor swimming pools in January and is looking forward to when the sea is warm enough to take her first dip in the open water.

Sue Reece, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Pembrokeshire said: “We really appreciate Lucy giving her time to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support to help people in Wales affected by cancer.

"This is no easy challenge but Lucy’s determination to finish the course is very clear.

“Lucy’s nan and her family received support from Macmillan at her home and at both Glangwili and Withybush hospitals. It’s so important for our rural communities that Macmillan can be there to support people with cancer."

To donate visit Lucy's Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/lucy-blayney1