Granny Lin’s charity swim

A grandmother of two undertook a swimming challenge to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Lin Cryer, 73, from Hanham, swam seven miles in seven hours over seven days at Longwell Green Leisure Centre as part of the charity’s Swim 10K in May fundraiser.

Lin, who spends her spare time knitting, reading and gardening, smashed her initial fundraising target of £50 – raising £500.

“I had wonderful support from my family and friends and the people at the swimming pool,” said Lin. “To raise so much money was wonderful.”

Lin swims every week at the leisure centre but said her seven-day stint was quite a challenge.

“I don’t usually swim that far. I normally just plod up and down, so this was much harder work.”

Lin has long been a supporter of CHSW after visiting Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall shortly after it opened in 2007.

She has also taken part in the charity’s Granny Trek event on several occasions and has played the CHSW lottery since its launch.

“We came up to visit Charlton Farm as it was being built and then returned shortly after it opened,” said Lin. “The work that goes on up there to help the families just blew my mind – it’s a very special place.”

Anyone inspired by Lin can visit www.chsw.org.uk/fundraising to pick their fundraising challenge.