Young swimmer completes 22 mile challenge in support of grandfather

A 13-year-old girl from Cumnor has swum the equivalent length of the English Channel in 12 weeks after being inspired by her granddad.

Daisy Lynch took on the feat to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK, in honour of her grandfather, Paul Mcknight, who has lived with the condition for the past 11 years.

The challenge was completed at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon the day before her 13th birthday and involved swimming 22 miles in total.

The White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre (Image: Google Maps)

After starting the challenge on Monday, January 22, she swam an average of 130 lengths per week, reaching a total of 1,416 lengths over the duration of the challenge.

Last year, at the age of 11, Daisy ran 50 miles in 50 days, an accomplishment that saw her raise more than £4,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

Mr Mcknight said: "I have had Parkinson’s for 11 years.

"Last year, Daisy, signed up to run 50 miles in 50 days for Parkinson’s UK running in the snow, rain, gale force winds, and even when she was unwell.

"She was one of the top fundraisers with over £4,000 in sponsors, remarkable."

He added: "I am so proud of her and how could I possibly give in to Parkinson’s when I have her by my side, a remarkable young girl.”

Daisy has set up Just Giving page and is approaching her target of £2,000.

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, with no known cure.

Close to 153,000 people in the UK currently live with the condition, and two more people are diagnosed every hour.

Parkinson's has more than 40 symptoms, spanning from tremors and pain to anxiety.

Parkinson’s UK, the largest charitable funder of Parkinson’s research in Europe, acknowledged Daisy’s contributions.

Beth Condie, community fundraiser for East Anglia at Parkinson’s UK, said: "We are so grateful to Daisy for taking on another great challenge for Parkinson's UK.

"The commitment Daisy has shown to fundraising and the challenges at such a young age is remarkable."

She added: "Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

"We hope that this fundraising challenge inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK.

"There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us - from volunteering at an event to campaigning for better services.

"Without the generosity of people like you, our work would not be possible."

The charity funds research into the most promising treatments and fights for fair treatment and better services.