Mystery still surrounds the death of a Wallington man who died during the Great North Swim last week.

Colin Pringle fell ill in the water during the two mile challenge across Windermere in the Lake District on Friday.

The 52-year-old was airlifted to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, where a police spokesman said he died after suffering a medical emergency.

Mr Pringle, a father, was raising money for the charity Guide Dogs, which breeds and trains the animals so they can support the blind.

On his JustGiving fundraising page it says he was raising the cash in memory of his mum.

He writes: "Apart from my chosen charity, this is in memory of my super mum. We all miss you dearly mum."

Since his death one generous friend has donated £200 to his chosen charity with the message "RIP Colin, you will be sadly missed".

A spokeswoman from Cumbria's North and West District coroner's office said his cause of death is still unknown.

A post mortem examination has not yet been carried out, but is expected to take place in the coming days.

The findings should help the reason for Mr Pringle's death to become clearer.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said: "At 4.40pm police at the event were alerted to a man who was taken by air ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary, as a result of a medical emergency.

"The man, aged 52, sadly died.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed."

The Great Swim Series is the UK’s biggest exhibition of open water swimming, with events taking place up and down the country.

A spokesman from event organiser Nova International, said: "Colin was attended to immediately by accident and emergency medical staff, and transferred by the Great North Air Ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary.

"Sadly despite the best efforts of the medical professionals he later died."

"Colin's family would like to express their gratitude to the medical teams who tried to save him and for the messages of goodwill and sympathy they have received.

"They have now asked to be allowed to come to terms with their loss in private."

To donate to Mr Pringle's charity, visit www.justgiving.com/colin-pringle.