A PEEBLES High School worker has handed over a cheque to two groups following her 45-mile swimming challenge last month.

Caroline Connor swam for more than 25 hours to complete the gruelling challenge in Lake Geneva, claiming the record time for a wetsuit swimmer.

The Borderer, who works in the school office, took on the challenge to raise money for the ‘Sunflower Classroom’ and Quarriers, which provide support for youngsters.

And recently she handed over a cheque worth more than £5,000.

Angela Freeman, service co-ordinator for Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service, said: “The team at Quarriers is hugely impressed by Caroline’s incredible commitment in raising £5,240 for the Sunflower Classroom at Peebles High School and Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service.

“Quarriers Resilience for Wellbeing Service supports young people aged 10-18 across the Scottish Borders, to aid and improve their mental health, to build the confidence needed to achieve their goals and develop the resilience to cope when times are tough. The aim is for young people to be able to manage life’s ups and downs more effectively when feeling anxious, stressed, worried, overwhelmed, or low and prevent their getting drawn into damaging risk-taking behaviours.

“Caroline is a role model for the children at Peebles High School showing that with resilience even the toughest challenge can be overcome.”