Blue Peter badge joy for Whitchurch swimmer
Swimming the length of the English Channel is a mammoth challenge for any adult.
But this determined 11-year-old from near Whitchurch stepped up to the mark and swam 22 miles over four weeks to raise money for a charity close to her heart.
Amelia Benbow joined a group of swimmers at Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre, supporting her aunt, Laragh McIntosh, who set up the project.
And now Amelia, who is a pupil at Sir John Talbot's School in Whitchurch, has been awarded with a silver Blue Peter badge for completing her swim.
She said: "I raised £373 by doing my swim. In order to collect the money I went round my village, Fauls Green, door knocking. Everyone was so supportive.
I was very happy to get a silver Blue Peter badge. I would like to carry on and get a gold one."
Her mother Carolyn said: "I am very proud of her.
She was very dedicated and something she wanted to do as our family has been affected by cancer."
So far, the campaign launched by Ms McIntosh, from Market Drayton, last June, has raised more than £4,000.
For more information visit www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Laragh-McIntosh2015
