A MOLD landscape architect is to swim the length of Coniston Water in the Lake District to raise money for a North Wales charity which supports children and young athletes.

Kate Richards, associate landscape architect at Land Studio in Chester, has been busy training for the gruelling open water swim.

Aquasphere Chillswim Coniston takes place on June 24 and 25 and involves a 5.25-mile swim from one end of the lake to the other. This year will be the 10th anniversary of the unique swimming event.

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As part of the challenge, she will be raising funds for the True Venture Foundation, which improves opportunities for children and young people from North Wales who want to compete competitively in sport.

The Foundation is managed in partnership with Community Foundation Wales, which supports charities and community groups with funding to strengthen communities and create equality and opportunity across Wales.

Kate Richards swimming in Lake Windermere in 2016. Photo: Dave Quartermain of USwim

Kate Richards swimming in Lake Windermere in 2016. Photo: Dave Quartermain of USwim

Kate was inspired to take on the swimming challenge after joining Sean Conway, an ambassador for the True Venture Foundation and an endurance world record holder, on previous swims as part of his own attempt to swim 102 Ironman distance triathlons consecutively and make a new world record.

Kate, who was recently appointed as the new chair of Landscape Institute Wales, said: "Along with a passion for landscape architecture, I also harbour a love for open water swimming.

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"I started 10 years ago, after watching a friend compete in the Deva Triathlon to qualify for the World age group Championships no less. He swam in the River Dee, and I stood on the Queen's Suspension Bridge cheering him on, thinking 'I would love to swim in there too'.

"Since then I have swum in lakes, lochs, rivers, seas and docks and have loved every experience. Some swims are purely for my own enjoyment and wellbeing, while others challenge my endurance.

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"In 2016 I swam the length of Lake Windermere, and I fully intended to continue taking on similar distances, but running multiple businesses and starting a family took precedence. However, I now realise that making time to swim, even when life is pretty busy, is so important for both mental and physical health.

"So after a break of six years, I am back in the water, and it feels great. In a few days' time I'll be joining a like-minded crowd and swimming the length of Coniston Water. I originally intended to keep this low key, as a personal challenge. But having joined Sean Conway on a few of his swims recently, it seems like the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of his challenge and the charity he is supporting.

"The True Venture Foundation exists to inspire and support children and young athletes in North Wales by improving access to positive opportunities through sport so they can connect with and reach their potential."