THE Isle of Man based charity BallaAfrica has received more than £3,500 after nine people swam from Barrow in Furness to Laxey to raise money for the charity.

The Big Swim event was sponsored by Fortress Management Services based in Douglas who one of the swimmers, Edward Bennett, works for.

On Friday Edward and his dad Roger Bennett - who is managing director at Fortress - presented a cheque to Johan Loubser, chairman of BallaAfrica.

The Big Swim proved to be a real adventure.

Edward said: "There were nine swimmers in total, four kayakers and a crew of three. The swimmers swam in relay from Barrow in Furness to Laxey and we did it in 31 hours over 63 miles.

"The boat went on fire at one point and fog slowed us down along with jellyfish stinging us. The rope pulling the speed boat got caught in the propeller as well!"

BallaAfrica helps a community centre in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, which helps teach, feed and medicate Aids orphans and other needy people.

For more on BallaAfrica click here

For more on Fortress Management Services click here