A KIND-HEARTED schoolgirl has raised £150 and counting for charity after swimming non-stop for an hour.
Shannon McGowan, 13, completed 111 lengths in 60 minutes at Copley Swimming Pool last month, cheered on by her family and friends.
She will donate sponsorship money, including £50 pledged by fellow pupils at Mossley Hollins High School, to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which helps and supports injured soldiers and their families.
Shannon, who lives in Carrbrook, took on a similar challenge two years ago in aid of the Down’s Syndrome Association when she completed 102 lengths in one hour.
This time, she set herself a target of 75 lengths but admitted she was hoping to top her previous count.
Shannon, who swims with Stalybridge Swimming Team, said: “I enjoy swimming and take pride in helping others so I swim for a charity selected by me and my family.
“Swimming is one of my strengths so I know it’s something I can do and achieve the best I can for the charity. If I can help one person, then it is worth it.
“I was hoping to beat my target so I was excited and pleased to do that. It did take a bit of hard work but everyone was cheering me on so that was encouraging.”
Proud mum Sarah added: “She wanted to beat her target from last time, which she did. She did so well and it’s all her own idea so we’re so proud of her.”
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