A CARDIAC patient has completed the British Heart Foundation’s Pier to pier Sunset swim to raise funds for British Heart Foundation.

Melanie Nash, 48, completed the challenge just six months after she had a cardiac procedure at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, known as an atrial fibrillation cryotherapy ablation - a treatment that freezes pulmonary veins.

She was accompanied on her swim by her sister Sam.

The Pier to Pier Sunset Swim involved a 1.4 miles open water swim from Bournemouth pier to Boscombe pier.

The event took place on July 13 and Melanie completed the gruelling challenge in 52 minutes.

Two years ago Melanie was diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm from the upper chambers of the heart.

The condition meant she became extremely fatigued, and struggled with daily tasks like climbing a flight of stairs.

After her procedure Melanie has taken up swimming again in order to improve her fitness and said she has fallen in love with it and was delighted to complete the Pier to Pier sunset swim.

Melanie said: “I did it. I can’t quite believe it.

"I had a bit of a wobble at the start, just started feeling a bit panicky but, with the support of my sister, I pushed on through and we nailed it.

“Since my procedure I feel like a new woman, both physically and mentally.

"I just wanted to give something back to say thank you to everyone involved with my care, they have been amazing.”

Melanie has exceeded her initial fundraising target of £200, raising more than £700 for British Heart Foundation.

Arrhythmia nurse specialist, Nicki Brewster said: “We are so pleased that Melanie has made a full recovery and it’s great to see that she is now able to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle.

"We are all so impressed with her taking on the Pier to pier challenge and the fantastic amount she has raised.”