'Amazing' Elsie completes paddle-to-school mission

A teenage girl who paddled to school every day for two weeks has raised thousands of pounds for her surf life saving club.

Elsie, 13, battled waves, the cold and jellyfish stings as she paddled a rescue board from Hayle, Cornwall two miles across St Ives Bay.

She showered at the beach and changed into her school uniform before heading to lessons.

She has raised more than £4,000 for Hayle Surf Life Saving Club.

Elsie joined Hayle Surf Life Saving Club (HSLC) when she was six and has been a keen supporter ever since.

On her online fundraising page, Elsie wrote: "HSLC has given me something to be passionate about, and along the way, I've been fortunate to make some great friendships.

"It's a fantastic community to be part of, and I want to give back by taking on this challenge."

On her final paddle, Elsie was joined by about 40 people in the water, with another 40 on the beach at Carbis Bay to cheer her arrival.

Her father Andrew said: "It was an amazing moment, I can't explain how proud we are."

Elsie's two-week mission meant an alarm call before 06:00 BST and getting into the water at about 06:30.

Her father said: "The first week was tough, the weather was rubbish, there were lots of jellyfish and it was relentless day after day.

"This week the weather was much kinder and Elsie has enjoyed some amazing sunrises.

"The high tides caused by the supermoon have meant she has had even further to paddle, which has not been ideal.

"Even climbing into a cold wetsuit that is not completely dry has been a real challenge every morning. She has coped amazingly well."

At the start Elsie had hoped to raise £200 for Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, but that target was soon revised upwards.

Now the total stands at more than £4,200.

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