SWIMMERS took the plunge in blistering temperatures yesterday to raise an estimated £180,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Large crowds waved off 1,800 swimmers who set off from the hot sands near Bournemouth Pier at 10am and noon in Europe’s biggest charity sea swim.

After a short training session, spectators lined the prom and cheered as swimmers entered the water en masse.

It wasn’t a race but the strongest swimmers led the way, diving into the cooling sea in wetsuits and bright yellow caps.

A total of 600 set off for the 1.4-mile swim to Boscombe Pier at 10am with 1,200 following suit at noon.

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Among the swimmers was Russell Hanford from Poole who took on the challenge to mark 10 years since he suffered a heart attack, at the age of just 23.

Russell said: “I’m proof that heart disease can affect anyone and strike when you least expect it.

“That’s why I’m getting behind the BHF, to raise as much money as I can to help fund essential research into this deadly disease.”

Andy Coles from the British Heart Foundation said: “We’re delighted with the record turn-out which is 500 up on last year.

“It’s hard to believe that the Pier to Pier swim started 24 years ago with around 10 participants.

“It’s very hot weather but the sea conditions are perfect.

“We’ve lots of families and all ages taking part from a 14-year-old to swimmers in their 80s.

“Money raised will help to create a better future for so many, from babies born with heart defects to the millions of adults affected by heart disease.”