Six inspirational pupils from Beech Hall School have successfully completed a relay swim of the English Channel, accomplishing the feat in record time for the Tytherington-based school and taking the fundraising total over £105,000 for a learning disability charity.

Over the years, swimmers have gone the distance for the national charity Mencap, and this current crop of pupils at the Tytherington School are no different.

The young swimmers formed the eighth team from the school to take on the challenge, three of which participated in the arduous task for the very first time. Adversity presented itself in several ways for the young squad, including a swarm of jellyfish which accosted the pupils; the determined group pulled through to accomplish the incredible feat of determination as they swam the vast length from the South Coast of England to the shores of France, finishing the relay in an admirable time of 11 hours and 48 minutes.

Well done! (Image - Beech Hall School)

Notably, in addition to the obstacles faced, the team beat the school's previous record by six minutes in an inspirational show of resilience, grit and teamwork.

Beech Hall School Headmaster James Allen, commented on the achievement. He said: "It is truly outstanding what our pupils have accomplished. They have spent many dedicated months training for the Channel swim, utilising our outdoor swimming pool here at Beech Hall and several open water swimming spots across the country, adapting and acclimatising to varying conditions.

"Our pupils have showcased remarkable resilience and mental strength working to achieve this extraordinary goal and I am incredibly inspired by each and every one of them."

Macclesfield Nub News contacted Mencap for comment.

Beech Hall School even has a banner celebrating their ongoing fundraising efforts, outside. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Mary O'Hagan, Interim Executive Director of Fundraising at Mencap said: "We are hugely inspired by the dedication our Mencap Marvels swimmers have shown in taking on this incredible challenge.

"The funds they raise will support Mencap's vital work, including our efforts to campaign for the rights of people with a learning disability." 

To find more about Beech Hall School, please click HERE.