Like so many organisations, Swim Bournemouth is in urgent need of funds to ensure its survival.

And so to the rescue is Jemma Chown, the mother of Swim Bournemouth’s captain Ella who is to walk a marathon to help raise money for the club.

Ella, a national-level swimmer, has just undergone spinal fusion surgery and like all the members can’t wait to get back in the water.

The club, which is affiliated with Swim England, relies on subscriptions and galas to survive and with pools having been closed for so much of the last year it needs help.

Jemma said, “The club has done so much for Ella and the coaches work incredibly hard – it would be a real shame if it couldn’t continue as before.

“It offers so much to so many and is a real jewel in Bournemouth’s sporting crown; they’re like a family and have members from the very young ones right through to master’s level.”

She added that the club is opening up new trials for anyone interested in getting into or back into swimming.”

To sponsor Jemma’s 26-mile walk: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jemma-chown

Or to attend a trail contact head coach Matt Heathcock: mattheathcock@swimbournemouth.uk