LUCIA Hiscock, eight, swam 48 lengths of the Mill Chase Leisure Centre pool to raise money for George Parry, a 19-month-old boy who has numerous health issues.

One of the many problems George faces is losing his sight and his parents would like him to be able to walk before this happens.

Knowing that this was a wish of the family, Lucia decided she would help by doing a sponsored swim.

She was watched by George’s mother Hannah Lindley and other members of the family, together with members of St Matthew’s Church, Blackmoor, where Lucia is a member of the junior church.

More than £1,100 has been pledged to help buy equipment to help George, including a walker which will help him gain strength in his leg muscles and hips thus assisting him to learn to walk.

After the swim last month, the staff at the leisure centre were thanked for helping to arrange the event, including the venue, and for the encouragement they gave Lucia during her sponsored swim.