A DETERMINED fundraiser who swam across the Firth of Forth has described the conditions as like “being in a washing machine”.

A total of 214 swimmers took to the start line at South Queensferry to brave the chilly waters as they attempted to swim 1.4 miles to North Queensferry.

However, unexpectedly strong winds meant a number of swimmers had to be saved by Coastguard and RNLI crews.

Jane Calder, who was raising funds for Duo Gymnastics, was among those reaching dry land after a 92-minute swim.

She said: “I managed it; I got across, which was the main thing. It was very tough.

“The weather conditions turned and I got pulled by a large current under the railway bridge but eventually I got to the other side.”

The gymnastics club, which is based at Haddington’s Aubigny Sports Centre, plans to buy a new vaulting table, which will cost about £1,000.

Jane’s son Cameron is a member of the gymnastics club, which has adapted lessons for him.

Jane previously told the Courier: “It has made him not feel different and he still feels part of the club – he really enjoys it.

“Cameron’s disability comes under Global Development Delay. He has a real difficulty with comprehension and understanding what is being asked of him, following instructions. He is also very sensitive to noise and sudden loud noises.

“That is what they have managed to do really well, break it down into small parts for him.

“Through time it becomes a routine and he understands what is being asked of him.”

Jane, who previously represented Scotland at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in synchronised swimming, smashed her fundraising target, collecting £2,109.60.

She said: “I set out to raise £1,000 for the new vaulting table and I have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity. The total I have raised is almost £2,200.

“This means that not only can the club purchase the new vaulting table, they can also purchase a new spring board and an apparatus transport trolley.

“Many local children are going to benefit from the new equipment.

“Eve’s Foundation has very kindly offered to part match the amount I raised and this additional money will be used to purchase a new set of bars for the gymnasts.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their kind donations, support and encouragement which made this challenge all the more ‘enjoyable’!”

On the swim, Jane, who lives near Gifford, said: “You could see people congregating at the other side.

“At that point I got swept by the current, which took me right under the Forth Bridge.

“It was a bit like being in a washing machine.

“It was so choppy and I was trying to get out the danger zone and swimming my heart out. Eventually, I managed to get into a calmer bit and over the finish line.”

The mum-of-two signed up for the swim in March and linked up with the Bass Rock Swimmers, who enjoy outdoor swimming near North Berwick.

Jane intends to keep on swimming outdoors and told the Courier: “Every time I cross the bridge now, I can say: ‘I’ve swam across there.’”

To support Jane, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jane-calder