A TOWN mum is diving in at the deep end to raise cash for sick children but needs some expert coaching to make a big splash.

Debi Wainwright wants to complete a sponsored swimathon on April, 30 2004, in memory of her son Alistair, who died aged six, from a brain tumour.

The money-spinning event will not only bolster Alistair's Appeal, the Wainright's charity fund which has collected £25,000 for young cancer sufferers, it will also mark what would have been the schoolboy's tenth birthday.

Brave boy

The brave child loved swimming, which was sadly banned by medics during his treatment.

Enthusiastic Debi hopes to swim 30 lengths of the pool at Droitwich Sports and Leisure Centre, in Briar Mill. However, she desperately needs a volunteer to give her lessons to ensure she can stay safely afloat.

"I belong to a generation of children taught to swim at the age of ten as part of the school curriculum," the married mum explained.

Style

"Once you could swim a length, style and grace had nothing to do with it - unless one showed enthusiasm or natural ability.

"I didn't and now if I swim a length I start at the deep end just in case."

The Charles Dickens Close resident works full-time and does not have regular hours. Efforts to take part in a swimming course, or get a private coach, have proved fruitless because she cannot commit to a set day and time.

Debi is hoping a flexible Droitwich Spa Advertiser reader may come forward and help teach her the right strokes.

If you can help, or would like to become a sponsor, call the Wainwright family on 01905 796275 or 07799 133360.