A DEDICATED woman is taking part in this year’s Great East Swim in memory of her partner who lost her battle with cancer.

Two years ago Sarah Johnston, 47, took part in the swimming challenge with her partner Judith Lindley-Neilson, 49, who was in remission from eye cancer.

Unfortunately the cancer returned last June and Ms Lindley-Neilson, a swimming instructor, died on October 26.

Ms Johnston, from Thurston, said: “Friends and family created Judith’s 50/50 charity in her memory because she would have turned 50 on New Year’s Day and because she had two favourite charities, Teenage Cancer Trust and Wateraid.

“She always said we have enough water to swim but others don’t have enough water to drink.”

She added: “There’s no limit to how much we are hoping to raise and we are already up to £7,000.

“Judith was good at bringing lots of people together and the charity is doing just that.”

So far, family and friends have organised a cold water plunge and a cross-channel relay swim while children have been swimming lengths in the pool in return for sponsorship.

Ms Johnston said: “The response has been amazing.

“We had four children between us and it’s keeping them together as well.

“Judith was a fitness instructor and swimming teacher and I would be in her classes thinking ‘wow’ as they were always fully-booked.”

Ms Johnston will be tackling the one-mile route and will also be taking part in the Great North Swim and Great Manchester Swim.

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/judiths50-50 to donate.

The Great East Swim will be held at Alton Water on June 22.

Swimmers will be raising money for a range of good causes.

Participants can choose from half-mile, one-mile, two-mile and 5km courses.

To enter, visit www.greatswim.org/east