A mother and daughter are getting in the swim to raise cash for the Manorlands hospice.

Sheila and Abigail Kitching are taking the plunge in the Great North Swim at Windermere next Saturday, June 15.

“We are swimming a mile which to some may not sound much but it is a big challenge for us,” said Sheila, of Redwood Close, in Long Lee, Keighley.

She and 23-year-old Abigail have been training at Keighley’s leisure pool.

“We have done up to 76 lengths – which equates to over a mile – and got used to swimming in wetsuits but have struggled to find anywhere we can do open water swimming,” said Mrs Kitching, a nursery nurse.

“The staff at the Keighley pool have been really good, and Doe Park at Denholme has loaned us the wetsuits which is brilliant.”

Between them she and her daughter have so far raised around £500.

To sponsor the duo, visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/manorlandsmermaid.

Mrs Kitching said her late father, Donald Pickles, was cared for at Manorlands.