Compassionate sports instructer, Roman Zaki, has swum 10 miles in his local pool to help raise more than £600 for the child victims of war-torn Ukraine.

Roman swam 644 lengths of the 25-metre long pool at Totnes Pavilions, where he teaches swimming, in aid of UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).

It took Roman five hours to complete the strenuous fundraiser and his spirits were raised during the final laps by the cheers of local primary school youngsters who were waiting for their weekly swim class.

Roman managed to smash is £500 target to raise £652. and has now set his sights on raising a total of £1,000.

Explaining his reason for undertaking the challenge, Roman said: “I am swimming for Unicef UK because of the suffering families in Ukraine and beyond

“As you all know, mindless fighting has broke out at the country of Ukraine.

“Children and their families are both suffering hugely from the impact of the fighting.

“One child has recently passed away from dehydration, showing the needless horror that Russia has inflicted on the country.

“Millions of refugees are making their way across shores and borders, to escape the nightmare.

“Countless children and civilians are trapped, are in desperate need of food and water, and some, in the worst cases, are being killed.

“This charity is in desperate need of all of our help which is why I decided to swim 10 miles at my local pool, attempting to raise money to help in anyway.

“We are united as a country and we can show this by helping in anyway possible.

“This was a challenge I have never attempted before and a distance ten times a normal swimming session.

“It was a challenge but a challenge I undertook with Ukraine and their people in my heart.”

Roman added: “It’s very heart warming seeing so many people give generously and help support this important cause.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roman-zaki3