IT was blood, sweat, tears - and an engagement ring - for an ambitious group of fundraisers who took part in the Great East Swim.

Acorn Village staff, volunteers and supporters of the Mistley-based charity completed the challenge on Saturday, *June 22* in Alton Water, Suffolk.

The 15-strong team smashed their target of swimming 21 miles altogether by swimming a total of 25 miles between them.

They managed to raise more than £3,000 for adults with learning disabilities at Acorn Village.

Team member Jessica Mellor, who is Acorn Village's fundraising assistant, was even proposed to after completing the swim.

Kate Williams, of Acorn Village who took part in the swim, said: "Well there was truly blood, sweat, tears and a ring.

"We had a ripped wetsuit minutes before the start which was duct taped up and a cut foot, that was just one of the team members.

"The icing on the cake was when fundraising assistant Jessica was proposed to by her boyfriend after completing two miles.

"It may be the first proposal at a Great East Swim.

"We’re not sure if it is but we’re all thrilled for them.

"Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored the team."

Jessica said: "I’m so proud of the whole team, to complete over 25 miles between 15 of us was such an achievement and then to be proposed to at the end.

"Well it was completely unexpected.

"Thank you to all those who made this day unforgettable, the sponsors, the supporters and my fiancé."

Michelle Cook, Acorn Village's chief executive officer, said: "This was probably the hardest physical challenge I’ve ever completed and there were definitely times during the swim that I thought I had made a mistake.

"However, the sense of achievement was fantastic and I was incredibly proud to be part of the team.

"A huge thank you to all of our supporters on the day and the generous donations that will provide vital funds for adults with learning disabilities."