A woman from Truro has set herself the challenge of swimming 24km over 24 beaches around the Cornish coast, finishing in Falmouth.

Lauren Turner, 37, will be undertaking the challenge this Saturday (September 5) to raise money for ShelterBox, the disaster relief charity.

Beginning at first light (6am) at Polkerris Beach in St Austell Bay, the all day swim will end with a guided solar lantern finish at last light (8.30pm) on Gyllyngvase Beach.

Lauren, who also works as a training officer for ShelterBox, was originally planning a 24-hour swim challenge at Bude Sea Pool, before lockdown put a sudden halt to her training in March. Undeterred, she came up with a new plan that she could train for once the beaches reopened, but without access to a swimming pool.

Lauren said: "Initially I lost all motivation – the whole world was in turmoil and I didn’t want to do anything. But now Covid and the impact of it all, especially on the communities that ShelterBox supports, has only increased my drive to fundraise and train.

"My family is so important to me and I can’t imagine losing everything through disaster and then also facing a global pandemic."

Falmouth Packet:

Lauren Turner

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The furthest Lauren has swum before is ten km, but months of gruelling training have prepared her for Saturday’s mammoth effort. Each weekend has involved swims at Cornwall’s beaches, with her husband and son kayaking alongside her for support. She’s also been preparing herself for the fatigue she’ll face, swimming late in the evening and then again early the next morning when already tired.

The training will be vital: with ten km considered a swimming marathon, Lauren’s 24km challenge will be the equivalent of swimming 2.5 marathons in one day.

Reflecting on the toughest aspects she’s anticipating, Lauren added: "I am currently experiencing daily weather anxiety as this is out of our control. I also think that the cold (swimming for nine hours with no wetsuit and limited breaks) will be tough.

"One of my personal challenges will definitely be the jellyfish, I have been carrying out intense jellyfish training but they still make me jump and are far too alien for my liking!"

Lauren is inviting people to greet her on the final stretch at Gyllyngvase Beach. Friends, family and well-wishers will paddle out on SUPs and kayaks, guiding her into shore with ShelterBox’s distinctive solar lights.

Lauren is expected at the beach at around 8.30pm on Saturday, but will be updating her social media channels on the day with her progress.

To follow Lauren’s progress on the day visit: www.instagram.com/swim4shelterbox. To support her fundraising efforts, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Swim4ShelterBox