A WREXHAM woman celebrated three decades in business by giving back to a local charity.

Laura Evison, of Rhosddu, set herself the challenge of swimming 30 miles in 30 days as she celebrated 30 years with Regent House of Flowers.

She said she managed to complete 1,930 lengths in 12 days and raised almost £800 for Hope House.

She said: "Hope House have been brilliant.

"We deal a lot with bereaved families in the shop and they do an amazing job, I just wanted to help them.

"I completed the challenge in 12 days but I had given myself a target of 15 days. If I'd pushed myself I could have done it sooner but it's trying to fit it in and get that time in the pool.

"It was good, I had a few up and down days. My arms started to hurt and I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it but it went really well.

"I got some great support from the morning swimmers at Waterworld and customers and friends, and even local businesses, they have all been brilliant, without them I wouldn't have done it as quick."

Laura said she chose swimming because it was something that helped her with her own mental health.

The 46-year-old added: "Swimming has helped me over the last few years to cope with working the way I do, keeping me focused and helping with my mental health.

"It seemed very fitting that I could combine it with a personal challenge to celebrate my 30th year.

"Hope House support a lot of families who have lost children. As parent myself I've had a few friends who have lost children.

"They didn’t use Hope House and in a way I wish at the time they'd known about it. A parent's worst nightmare is to lose child at any age but the support they give to families provides a sense of comfort.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support and say that if you suffer with mental health, or want to try something new, swimming can help."

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the JustGiving Page.