They braved jellyfish, reports of orca sightings and dodged strong tidal currents to complete a three kilometre North Sea swim without wetsuits for charity.

The swimming trio Claire Watson-Armstrong, Jill Henderson and Karen Gallichan were joined by swimming buddy Gill Anderson to tackle the swim from Inner Farne to the mainland to raise funds for HospiceCare North Northumberland.

Not only were they swimming without wetsuits, the trio also completed the swim topless as a tribute to Claire’s mother Linda Thorburn, who died from breast cancer last year and in recognition of women who are battling the disease.

Flanked by a flotilla of safety support boats from Billy Shiel Farne Island Boat Trips, KA Adventure Sports at Beadnell along with family and friends, the group set off from Inner Farne at 8.30am at slack water, when a gap in the strong tides running along the coastline ease, giving the swimmers a crucial window of time to make the crossing in.

Jill Henderson, Claire Watson-Armstrong, Karen Gallichan and Gill Anderson after completing their swim.

placeholder image — Jill Henderson, Claire Watson-Armstrong, Karen Gallichan and Gill Anderson after completing their swim.

Claire said: “It was terrifying but exhilarating and also very emotional. I did have a real wobble not long after we set off. I was struggling to get my breath and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. I did have a few tears into my goggles.

“We have such a wonderful comradery – Jill, Karen and Gill kept me going. The water was choppy and we’d heard reports that orcas were back in the area, which was praying on my mind. There were also a lot of jellyfish to avoid and I got painful leg cramps towards the end. But we did it, despite me being a diva!

“I can’t thank William Shiel of Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips enough. His knowledge and experience of the seas and tidal currents here are phenomenal. He told us the exact moment to get into the water and guided us along the way with his boat. We reached the exact location on the beach he said we would. We could not have done it without him and also the dream team at K A Adventure Sports. They’re amazing!

Claire added: “It was an emotional moment to arrive on the beach where there was quite the welcoming party of family and friends - and to feel sand beneath our feet. It was a moment I will never forget. I’m so proud of us – and I know my mum would be, too.

The swimmers had safety support throughout.

“My sister Katherine had even made us a special booby cake to celebrate the occasion and our topless swim!

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated and for all the well wishes literally from around the world – as well as our special community here. The support and love from people has been incredible and very humbling.”

The group completed the swim in one hour 13 minutes and have raised over £9,000 for HospiceCare North Northumberland so far. They are hoping to break the £10k milestone.

The swimmers were due to take on their swim tomorrow (Tuesday) but changing weather conditions meant they had to bring their swim forward.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/page/claire-watson-armstrong-3