'A moment I will never forget' Eaton Bray woman conquers New York 20-bridge swim challenge

Rose Hawkins travelled to New York to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and, with her support crew, to take on the challenge.

It was the second of three swims after she successfully crossed the English Channel in 2017.

Rose's family and friends gathered at Battery Park Pier A wearing Team Rose T-shirts, while a fireboat sprayed its hoses into the river in tribute to those who died.

The challenge took Rose through the East River, Harlem River and Hudson River, passing 20 bridges around Manhattan.

Conditions were difficult, with strong currents, choppy water and debris in the river following heavy rain.

As she reached the eight-mile Harlem River stretch, she found her rhythm, prompting the boat captain to remark: "She is moving!"

Her family followed along the river, cheering her on from different piers.

However, the final stretch proved particularly challenging when Rose became sick six hours into the swim.

She said: "There were lots of challenges with this swim. When we started it was pouring down and it meant there was lots of debris and sewage in parts of the water, which made it quite challenging at times.

"I was sick at six hours in and it became very choppy in the Hudson River. I had no idea how much longer I had to swim and didn’t think I would be able to keep anything down any longer after being sick, but I was adamant I would finish the swim and was able to carry on."

After an eight-minute break, she continued towards the finish, where her family and firefighters gathered.

Rose, recognised by her pink swimming cap, finished ahead of the three other male swimmers taking part.

She said: "It felt absolutely amazing. I could hear and see all my family on the pier cheering and shouting for me.

"I remember getting back on the boat after all that time in the water and hugging Sarah, my sister, looking at the Statue of Liberty with everyone cheering and actually thinking it was a moment in my life I will never forget."

Rose has now completed two-thirds of the Triple Crown, with the final challenge being the Catalina Channel in California, which she hopes to attempt in 2028.

She has also raised more than £21,000 for the Openwork Foundation, on Rose Hawkins 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan, New York, which distributes grants to charities.

Rose said: "I have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of money I have been able to raise and very grateful for everyone who has been so kind to donate and sponsor me."