Scottish teacher nearly killed in speed boat accident in Cyprus raises £16,000 through charity swim

A PE teacher who was nearly killed in a speed boat accident has raised £16,000 for charity after swimming across the Firth of Forth.

Rachael Hadjitofi, 31, was left with life-changing injuries and a stoma bag after being struck by the boat in Cyprus in August 2017.

The Edinburgh teacher recalled turning her head to see the boat hurtling towards her, and making a split-second decision she flung her head away, allowing her body to take the impact.

Rachel is determined to find the doctor who saved her life following her accident, who she believes was in her late 30s, may have worked for the NHS in England and has Cypriot heritage.

Edinburgh & East

Teacher hit by speed boat in mission to find doctor who saved her life

Rachael Hadjitofi is taking on a ten-mile charity swim across the Firth of Forth seven years since the life-changing accident.

Now she has completed a charity swim in aid of Climbing Out, which helps people who have experienced life-changing injuries and trauma to rebuild their confidence.

On Friday, Rachel swam 11 miles from Elie harbour in Fife to North Berwick – completing the feat in seven hours and 11 minutes.

She told STV News: “I am both drained and elated. I am still in disbelief that I managed to complete this challenge!

“Each stretch of the swim brought something new. The first couple of hours, the sun was out, there were seals following me and my pace was strong.

“The second half I felt very cold and sick from the waves and I really started to struggle. Looking up on each breath to see the support crew is what got me through. I really felt there was a moment I couldn’t continue.

“In the final stretch with two miles to go, the safety crew brought all of my team into the rib so they could be as close to me as possible. The safety crew at Forth Logisitics, Sandy, Kris, Ian, Jimmy and Joe were outstanding. They helped boost my confidence because of their belief in me. They didn’t waver for one moment. I trusted them with my life.

“The support throughout my day was from every angle. My support team, Caroline, my sister Anna, Nuri, Louise and Rhiannon were with me every single stroke. I was surrounded by my family, friends and members of the public who welcomed me at the finish.”

Rachel said she was delighted by the amount of money raised and offered her thanks to all those who donated.

“I truly feel like I overcame every part of my trauma from the accident in 2017 on this swim,” she added.