FOUR to five foot waves and a howling 30mph northwesterly were no match in the end for Julie Gregory of Looe and others who completed the Breakwater Swim 2020 in Plymouth Sound.

The 4K open water swim saw participants battle incredibly tough conditions, and many needed assistance or rescuing during the event.

While paddleboards and jetskis provided cover and help where needed to the swimmers, RIBs operated by Plymouth Youth Sailing Club were the outer layer of protection for the event, directing boats away from the athletes in the water.

Julie, who had been in training for months, pushed on and completed the long-distance swim, an impressive feat, said her fellow Looe Pioneer, Donna Gundry.

The achievement was all the more impressive considering Julie had sustained an injury just 10 days before the event.

“I’d been swimming lots up to the event – I think in the last month I was swimming four or five times a week,” said Julie.

“I had improved so much. I had perfected my front crawl, and my plan for the day was front crawl and backstroke.

“Unfortunately, I fell off my bike 10 days before the swim. I had a sprain and my wrist was in a splint.”

Julie says she was also worried about the weather forecast on the day of the charity event for the Chestnut Appeal.

She said: “We all went out on the boat and it seemed calm. But as we neared the breakwater I could see the waves picking up.

“We had to jump off the boat, which was the worst part for me! As soon as you entered the water the waves were straight in your face. I started to swim front crawl but as soon as you raised your head you were engulfed with water. I had to then swim doggy paddle all the way and I was unable to swim on my back.

“The lifeguards were great, they kept asking if I needed a break and was I okay?

“I was determined not to give up, and refused any help. It was not much fun, but I kept going.”

Julie was greeted by family and friends on the finish line at Tinside, having completed the gruelling swim in three hours and 15 minutes.

“My fundraising page is up to £325 – I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated for my swim.”

The Breakwater Swim is an annual event organised to raise money for The Chestnut Appeal, a charity raising funds and awareness for male cancers.

Swimmers are taken by boat out beyond the Breakwater and then have to swim back to the Tinside Lido on the Hoe.