A leading councillor conquered her “morbid” fear of water by completing a sponsored swim for charity this morning.

Cllr Mimi Harker, Chairman of Chiltern District Council, swam a width of the main pool, unassisted, at Chesham Leisure centre on White Hill and in the process raised almost £2,000 for Sport Relief.

Despite admitting she felt sick at the very sight of water, Cllr Harker embarked on a mission to learn to swim and – having completed the sponsored swim – already has her eyes set on next year’s challenge.

Cllr Harker said after completing the challenge: “I am elated. Just being in there took a lot of courage and it was such a relief when I got to the end.

“It has been such a journey. It was only on Tuesday when I got into the big pool.

“Beforehand I was panicking and my heart was beating very fast – water was my biggest nemesis.

“I am so grateful for all the amazing support I have had and all those people who believed in me.

“It was also wonderful to have members of the Bucks Fire and Rescue team there to outline the importance of life-saving skills such as swimming.

“Together we have raised just under £1,800 at the moment and I would love to get to £2,000.”

The chairman, who says she has tried to learn to swim in the past, has been receiving training from specialist coach Wendy Zakrzewski to prepare for the event.

Cllr Harker added: “I have never swam with my kids or my husband before but the next time they do I want to get in with them.

“The next step is to learn to have fun in the water – today was not fun!

“I am going to keep up the lessons and by this time next year I want to be able to swim a length.”

To donate visit www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/send-money-online and use the email address thisgirlcanswim@virginmedia.com.