TWO 10-year-olds from St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester have raised £1,500 for premature birth charity Borne.

Lois Macdonald and Freya Austin, who come from the Alton area, raised the money through a sponsored triathlon involving a mile-long swim, a five-kilometre cycle ride, and a five-kilometre run.

Lois, whose family has been deeply affected by premature birth, and her best friend Freya set out to donate £600 to Borne, which carries out research into the causes of the condition.

They used the swimming pool, playing fields and athletics track at St Swithun’s to complete the triathlon challenge in scorching late summer temperatures. Both were delighted to learn that they had more than doubled their pledge with a huge £1,510 for the charity.

School sports teacher Katy Iliffe said: “Forty minutes of tough swimming, a five-kilometre cycle and 12-and-a-half laps of the track on tired legs was a huge challenge. Lois and Freya needed real grit and determination to achieve their goal. I am so proud of the way they just kept going.”

In recognition of their contribution, the girls have been invited to the Borne laboratories in London to see the charity’s work in action. They also received a letter of commendation and thanks from Borne’s founder.

Lois and Freya’s fundraising page is at justgiving.com/fundraising/freya-lois.