Durlston School pupil Izzy (10) raises over £1,500 for cancer charity Abby’s Heroes by swimming more than 12 miles

A 10-year-old Barton schoolgirl has raised over £1,500 for charity by swimming more than 12 miles.

Durlston School pupil Izzy Pitt decided to support Abby’s Heroes, which supports children being treated for cancer, after losing family members to the disease.

Izzy, who had set a target to raise £600, carried out her challenge each Wednesday between September and December last year after her weekly swimming lesson.

In total she swam 821 lengths, the equivalent of 12.75 miles, and raised £1,586.22.

Izzy was joined by headmaster Richard May, who praised her “attitude and determination”, as they presented the cheque to the charity’s corporate and community fundraiser, David Fawcett.

He said: “We are so grateful for the donation. As a small charity we rely heavily on individual and corporate fundraising. The money will make a huge difference to us.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/izzyswims