A SWIMMER is today getting ready to make a splash to raise cash for a cancer charity.

A SWIMMER is today getting ready to make a splash to raise cash for a cancer charity.

Hannah Saunders-Pedersen is taking part in a swimathon fundraising event for the fourth year in a row.

The year seven student at Needham Market Middle School has been taking part since she was eight years old and last year managed to complete the full 5,000 metres.

This year she is again hoping to swim the full distance, but in a quicker time, and raise money for Marie Cure Cancer Care.

The 12-year-old said: “Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy.

“By participating in Swimathon I can exercise and raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care at the same time.

“I can't wait to take the plunge and start swimming, and encourage everyone in Needham Market and Stowmarket to join the challenge and help raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”

Hannah, of Barking Tye, raised £70 for charity last year but this year is on course to raise £170.

The Swimathon is at the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket from today , until Sunday, and Hannah will be doing 200 lengths on Saturday.

Her Mum, Julie Saunders-Pedersen, 46, said: “Last year it was the first time Hannah completed the full distance, she previously just did the half, and we were really proud of how she built up the distance to complete the full 5k.

“She was so determined to complete it and I think that by seeing what she's achieved it will encourage others to participate, and if everyone raised just £20 that would be brilliant.”

The annual national Swimathon was launched in 1986 to promote the health benefits of swimming and it has raised more than £30million for 33 charities.

Anyone wanting to get involved or sponsor Hannah can visit www.swimathon.org.

N Are you going to great lengths for charity? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk