Leicestershire reporter Donna Richardson has helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity after completing a wet and wild paddling challenge through three counties.

Coalville Times journalist Donna, (23), was part of a 14-strong team of canoeists who braved a 101-mile course through Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in aid of breast cancer research.

Donna (fourth from right) with the rest of the team

During the four-day event Donna and her teammates travelled in kayaks and canoes, starting out in Kegworth, Leicestershire, and making their way along the River Soar, River Trent, Fossdyke Navigation and River Witham to their final destination of Boston.

It is estimated that the event has raised around £3,000 in sponsorship for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Donna, who studied journalism at the University of Lincoln before joinig the Coalville Times, said: “This challenge was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, but certainly one of the most rewarding.

“The route brought back many memories of Lincoln for me – especially as we passed through Brayford Pool past the University and we drew a few spectators as we paddled through the city centre of Lincoln.

“It was a fantastic challenge to complete and it is all for a very worthwhile cause.”