TWO women from Worcester have vowed to swim a mile a day throughout April in tribute to a friend who died of cancer aged only 28.

Neesha Taylor, a 29-year-old teacher, was devastated when her friend James Buckle lost his battle with the illness in October.

Enlisting the help of her friend Nicole Clee, a 23-year-old interior designer, they decided they wanted to do something in his memory and to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

As Mr Buckle was a keen swimmer, they decided nothing would be more fitting than to hit the pool at Nuffield Health in Perdiswell on 25 mornings throughout April and complete 100 lengths, almost exactly a mile.

“We are both getting up early every morning so that we can fit the swim in before work,” said Miss Taylor.

“We expect it will be really tiring but we know that the reason we are doing it will make up for that and will keep us going.”

In preparation for the challenge they were in the pool and the gym six days a week, working under the guidance of Wendy Gorman, one of Nuffield Health’s personal trainers.

“Nuffield and Wendy have been really great in lending their time and support to us,” Miss Taylor said.

“We’ve discovered muscles we never knew we had and have become real water babies.”

They are hoping to raise £5,000 in total from the challenge, and are already well on their way with a total of £1,755.

They are planning a celebratory event at the health club to coincide with the last day of their swim, where members of the public will be welcome to go along and support them.

To sponsor the women, visit justgiving.com/nicandneeshswim