A BRAVE 22-year-old has paid tribute to the memory of her mum and grandmother through a gruelling sponsored swim.

Lauren Gledhill of Albion Way, Verwood, lost her mum Linda to breast cancer and gran Ethel Park to kidney cancer within four days of each other last year.

On Saturday Lauren swam 150 lengths over four hours at Littledown Swimming Pool raising £2,000 for charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Lauren's challenge got a huge boost earlier in October when a generous Daily Echo reader donated £1,000.

Lauren who recently graduated with a law degree from Southampton University, was cheered on by around 15 family and friends including Linda's former boss Terry Millen, dad John, brother Jonathan, 25, and grandad Jack Park, 74.

Lauren's pal Emily Rich was among friends and family who took turns to keep her company in the pool.

Lauren said: "It's going fine and I've got lots of energy. I've just done my first ten laps.

"I have been training twice a week for a long time. I was a bit worried because I had a cold earlier in the week but now I feel absolutely fine.

"I just rested for a couple of days. I am really pleased that I have had such lovely support.

"And the £1,000 donation just really touched me. I just want to go some way towards making sure other people don't go through what my mum did.

"I am sure I will continue to support the charity throughout my life."

Dad John said: "She is not a strong swimmer so this is very much a personal challenge. What she is doing is tremendous. It is a charity her mum supported throughout her illness and Lauren wants to carry it on."

Anyone who wants to help should send cheques payable to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, c/o Jane Reader, Daily Echo newsroom, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6HH.

First published: Oct 25