Making a splash

Jun 26 2009

AN ENTHUSIASTIC young swimmer hit the water for over an hour last weekend to help raise money for cancer research.

Little Charlie Massey swam 2.5 kilometres to support the charity as his aunt is currently battling bowel cancer.

The eight-year-old completed the swim in one hour and six minutes and his mother Claire was full of praise for the Mill Lodge pupil.

“He instigated it all on his own back and I’m so proud of him,” she said.

“I did the race for life to help support my sister and Charlie asked what he could do and he decided on the swim.”

The youngster’s determined efforts at Archbishop Ilsley School helped raise more than £900 for the cause, which included £100 raised on the day.

Charlie has been swimming for the past six years with local teacher Vicky Rickards and also represents Solihull Swimming Club.