Eight-year-old James Thomas from Worcester has made his mum proud and raised £360 for St Richard’s Hospice in memory of a family friend.

James, who goes to Redhill Primary School in London Road, swam 44 lengths in half-an-hour in the recent St Richard’s Hospice Swimathon event.

Proud mum Sue Thomas said: “Two years ago, one of my closest friends Mike Issitt died of prostate cancer.

“He had been in St Richard’s on and off since before Christmas of 2008.

“Mike was very fond of James, and James saw him just like an uncle really.

“I know James knew how important St Richard’s was to Mike in those last few months, as we talked about it openly with him and did take him up to see Mike a couple of times.

“But, most of all, James knows how important it is to me that we keep Mike’s memory alive, and he was swimming for Mike really.

“Mike was a very fit man, and swam daily, so it seemed a really fitting tribute to him, whilst raising money for St Richard’s.

“I am really proud of him – and I know he was really pleased with his achievement and is already talking about doing the swimathon again next year.”

Swimmers in the event raised £1,500 in total for St Richard’s, in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, to help fund its work caring for patients and their families living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Lizzie Brazier, community fund-raiser, said: “It was a lovely event and everyone enjoyed themselves making a splash for cash.

“We are very grateful to everyone who swam and all the families and friends who supported them.”

St Richard’s Hospice cares for patients and families in Worcestershire who are living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Each year they give free care and support to around 2,100 patients and family members.