Updated 5.57 pm - Michelle Muscat, the prime minister's wife, has successfully completed her swim from Gozo to Malta to raise funds for the Marigold Foundation and the Malta Special Olympics team.

She jumped into the somewhat choppy sea in Qala at about 2.30pm and was almost on the half way point at 4.15pm, escorted along the way by a search and rescue launch and other boats.

A number of swimmers from the Malta Special Olympics team joined Mrs Muscat when she reached Comino.

Dr Muscat, his daughters and a crowd of wellwishers greeted the swimmers when they made it to the beach near Cirkewwa quay at about 5.50pm amid applause.

Mrs Muscat has been preparing for the swim for some months, but there had been a possibility of today's event being postponed because the wind was gathering strength.

This morning Mrs Muscat said she was 'very much looking forward' to the swim.
Donations may be made on BOV mobile at 79639556 or BOV account 40023325450

The Marigold Foundation's purpose is to raise awareness of the challenges faced society relating to social behaviour, health issues, special needs and education.