A BUILTH Wells schoolgirl will be making waves this weekend as she jumps in the pool to take part in a swimathon to raise money for charity.

Edie Allpress, 9, has already splashed her target of £500, and has so far raised £765 ahead of the event, taking place at Builth Swimming Pool this Saturday, May 7. Edie, a pupil at Newbridge-on-Wye Church in Wales School, will be completing a distance of 1.5km and is donating the money raised to Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.

“I can't believe how generous people have been, I just want to do something, I just want to help people,” said Edie.

“Mum said I could do the 400m challenge but I thought I'll try the 1.5K, you have to push yourself for fundraising don't you.

“I want to thank all my amazing swimming teachers at the swimming pool, they have been so supportive.

“I have been bowled over by everyone who has supported me, from my friends, parents, teachers and Trish at Builth Library who already does so much for Builth children and young people.

“I love swimming at Builth Wells pool, I have swam here since I was tiny and the teachers and coaches are so supportive and kind.”

Swimathon 2022 is being organised by Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie and the Swimathon Foundation, and is taking place between May 6-8.

Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie are calling on the nation to get down to their local pool to take part.

Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity, is dedicated to saving lives through research. They don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of generous people. Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.

Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in people’s homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most. More than 21,000 swimmers are expected to take part in the swimathon, at over 300 pools across the UK. The charities are inviting swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.

Edie, who also loves dancing and singing, added: “When children and their parents are affected by cancer there can be some dark days, I want to help and reach out and make a difference if I can.

“In lockdown I volunteered with Credu Cymru and supported young unpaid carers. Lots of families are caring through having parents who have cancer. I want to support those children and families.”

To find out more about Edie’s challenge and donate to her fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/edieallpress1648972072971.