Lawrence Area School pupil Anna Harrex swam the equivalent distance of the Cook Strait’s narrowest point (22km) to raise funds for the Cancer Society.
She swam 880 laps of the 25m Tuapeka Aquatic Centre in Lawrence.
Anna’s grandfather, Colin Harrex (80), was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year, which sparked Anna’s desire to do something to contribute.
Anna has raised more than $6000. The exact amount will be revealed later.
"It’s very hard not to be bursting with pride for Anna right now," he said.
"She has done an outstanding job and she’s quite proud to get it done."
The community turning up for Anna was "amazing", Mr Harrex said.
"The whole school turned up to cheer her on, the mayor came in to watch her swim and various people throughout the community supported and donated to the cause.
"We’re very thankful to all those who helped Anna to get into the pool as there had been issues with the boiler system on her original swim date.
"We are especially grateful to Carla Murray, a teacher of hers at the school. She was so supportive in training her and actually swam a lot of it with her today."
"It is an amazing effort, and for a cause so dear to our hearts.
"We’re very proud of her."
