DEDICATED swimmers made a splash for cash to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

About 24 paddlers took it in turns to swim for half-an-hour at the charity’s annual swimathon today at New College Worcester in Whittington Road.

Among those taking the plunge was Melanie Beattie, aged 48, of Battenhall Rise, Worcester, who came along with her daughter Natasha, 10.

They were taking part in the event for the second year running and swam more than 100 lengths between them.

“We’ve done it before Natasha’s school [King's Hawford] does a lot with St Richard’s,” said Ms Beetie. Natasha’s headmaster lost his wife a couple of years ago. We like to support it.”

Sarah Clews, 39, of Oakland Avenue, Droitwich, was cheering on her three sons James, 12, Ross, 9 and Jake, 8, from the side of the pool.

The challenge was water off a ducks back for the young paddlers who swim for the Droitwich Dolphins and have raised £100 in sponsorship between them.

“I’m really proud of them today,” said Mrs Clews. “They did it last year and they enjoy swimming and said they would raise money for charity. Some of our relatives have used St Richard’s in the past.

“It’s been a wonderful event.”

Her eldest son James who is the junior club captain, swam 80 lengths.

“I’ve enjoyed raising money for charity,” he said.

Organiser Sarah Patrick said the swimanthon was their first big challenge of the year.

“It’s really good fun, everyone’s really enjoyed it, “she said. “We do find a lot of people that have done it in previous years have done it the next year and the next which is really great for us.

“Thank you to all the participants who take part and got involved in the day.”

Last year the event raised £3,000 which they hope to raise again this year.