A woman has completed a challenge to swim in the sea 75 times in two months to honour the 75th anniversary of the world’s largest humanitarian airline.

Between November 1 and December 31 last year, Jo Lamb, who works for Folkestone based Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), swam in the sea 75 times. This meant some days she had to complete two sea swims.

By doing so she has raised £1,400 for the MAF, which was founded by a handful of RAF airmen and women after the Second World War who sought to use aircraft for peace rather than fighting.

They used the planes to deliver life-saving supplies to remote parts of the world.

Today, the organisation operates 138 purpose-built light aircraft in over 26 countries, employs over 1,300 staff and partners with more than 2,000 humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, World Health Organisation, the Red Cross and Tearfund.

One of its founders, D-Day veteran Stuart King, from Folkestone, died in August aged 98.

Mrs Lamb, a mum of two, has also recently written a book about the charity, entitled Above and Beyond, to mark its 75th anniversary year and to honour Mr King.

Mrs Lamb, 32, said: "We have all endured a very challenging year, and we need a bit of escapism from the uncertainty that lies ahead in 2021.

"So, I thought that I would commit to two personal challenges - writing a book and swimming in the winter sea to help me through!

"Although I’ve completed my fundraising challenge and the book is now published, I have kept on swimming regularly as it has been so beneficial for my mental and physical health.

"I hope lots of people will enjoy the book throughout 2021 too."

Mrs Lamb hopes the challenge and book will also raise awareness of the MAF.

She said: "MAF is a truly amazing international charity which often goes under the radar.

"With a headquarters here in Folkestone, MAF has been flying for 75 years - but so many people have never heard of it.

"It was a very ambitious challenge, and there were certainly days when the sea was rough, and the weather was so gloomy that I didn’t fancy going in at all.

"But with the support of my family and local sea swimmers, I am delighted that I completed 75 swims to bring MAF’s 75th year to a celebratory close!"

To order the book visit maf-uk.org/aboveandbeyond.

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