Ten staff from a specialist care service took the plunge to raise funds for Mencap.

Based in Lewes, Southdown employs 750 staff and helps vulnerable people across Sussex live independently by helping them with housing and employment through a range of services.

Ten members of staff took part in the Mencap Mile swim at Dorney Lake in Windsor, which is the biggest event of its type on the charity’s fundraising calendar.

Southdown staff raised £1,750. All sponsorship funds raised go straight to Mencap, so the charity can help more people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

It will also support Mencap’s campaigns such as the recent disability hate crime campaign, Stand By Me.

Southdown chief executive Aideen Jones said: “Although we are a not-for-profit organisation, our staff and service users are keen fundraisers for other charities and good causes. “We are big supporters of Mencap and were delighted to take part in this terrific event.”

Events officer for Mencap Rachel Croshaw said: “We’d like to thank Southdown for entering and their fantastic fundraising efforts for the event.

“The money they raised will help us continue our vital work to support people with a learning disability.”