A paraplegic woman swam more than 500 lengths to raise awareness for the charity that trained her “life-changing” assistance dog.

Elaine Moore, 68, from Kemp Town, Brighton, took on the challenge to raise money for Canine Partners, which trained her dog Bentley.

Golden labrador Bentley, who is six, helps her with dozens of tasks around the house including opening doors, stripping bed sheets and even taking her shoes off.

Elaine upped her target from 400 to nearly 600 lengths due to the generosity of people donating. She raised more than £2,000 in total.

The Argus: Elaine completed nearly 600 lengths for charity, raising £2,000 in totalElaine completed nearly 600 lengths for charity, raising £2,000 in total (Image: The Argus)

She said: “At times it was a struggle to swim every day, I felt ‘oh god, I have to keep swimming’ but someone would donate and it would motivate me. The more donations that came in, I upped my target to more than 500 lengths.

“In all, I have done 570 lengths in four weeks. The Living Well Centre were brilliant, they really supported me. One of their staff, Sam, was doing the challenge too. It became a bit of a competition to beat him so he wouldn’t catch me.

“I have raised £2,071 pounds so far.”

Elaine completed her challenge at the Living Well Centre in the Hilton Metropole on Brighton seafront.

The Argus: Bentley was trained by Canine PartnersBentley was trained by Canine Partners (Image: The Argus)

Elaine has been wheelchair-bound since 2000 after suffering two fractures in her spine due to osteoporosis, as well as four transient ischaemic attacks, also known as mini strokes.

Bentley has been helping Elaine both in the house and outside for the last four years.

Elaine said Bentley is “more than a friend”.

She added: “A human carer is good but Bentley is with me 24/7 and looks out for me wherever I go. He has exceeded my expectations of what an assistance dog can do.

“In the morning Bentley will get my shoes and other things ready to take him out. He will take my shoes off when we come in.

“He helps me in the shower by pulling the shower curtain. When he hears the water stop, he gets the towel for me. He will get my clothes out the drawer.”

Elaine finished her challenge last month.

For more information on her fundraiser, click here.