THE team leader of Redditch police's public service desk is jumping in at the deep end to raise money for a cancer charity.

Mo Townsend is doing a sponsored swim on Friday for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

She is swimming 100 lengths of a Rubery pool to raise £1,500 so she can take part in the Weekend to Breakthrough Breast Cancer event - a 60km walk in London from September 23-25.

Participants have to raise a minimum of £1,500 to take part.

Ms Townsend has raised almost £1,000 through raffles, car boot sales and parties and is looking for sponsors to help raise the remainder. The mum-of-two has worked for the police for 12 years and survived breast cancer herself.

Her mother also had breast cancer and subsequently died of a secondary cancer.

Ms Townsend said: "Eight years ago I had a lump removed followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was one of the lucky ones.

"It's so important women examine themselves regularly and see their doctor immediately if they feel a lump in their breast or if there are visible changes.

"While in the middle of my chemotherapy course I did a sponsored swim for Breakthrough and since I've recovered I feel it's important to raise money for research into this terrible disease.

"I've had lots of support from work colleagues and from two companies - Townsend Textiles and Lawley Ceramics - but I really need help in raising the rest of the money."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ms Townsend can call 08457 444888 ext 3862 or 07746 127249.