A SWIMATHON saw some Herculean efforts in the pool raising cash for staff at two hard-working schools.

The swimathon, organised by parent Katie Allan and her partner Victoria Butler, was held at the swimming baths at Regency High School, Warndon, and Cranham Primary School.

Ms Allan’s son Jack Williams-Butler goes to school at Cranham Primary, and is taught in the nurture group.

His mother decided to raise some cash for the primary school because of the “excellent work they do” in the nurture class – Mulberry Class – which promotes pupils’ emotional and social well-being.

She then decided to split the money equally with Regency after they allowed her use of their pool for the swimathon.

All three were joined by staff from the primary school, all of whom have so far raised £115, with more still to be collected.

Ms Allan said: “My target was 15 hours and both me and Victoria managed to break that.

“I was in for 22 hours, but was asked to get out as I was making myself ill.

“Thanks to everyone else as well, and Jack who managed four stints. One of the care assistants from Cranham, Liz Ward, was amazing.

“She got in the pool at 10.30am and she didn’t leave until 11.30pm – other than to eat, she didn’t get out the pool.” She also praised the high school’s property staff who allowed them to use the pool for their swimathon.

Gareth Morgan, Cranham Primary’s headteacher, said: “We all would like to say a massive thank you to Katie Allan for her amazing dedication to our school by organising and participating in a 24-hour sponsored swim.

“I would also like to thank all the volunteers along with staff at Regency who stayed all night too.”