A YOUNG Hampshire swimmer has battled through illness to raise more than £700 in a charity swimathon.

Stanmore School pupil Hannah Oxley, 11, of Thetford Gardens, in Chandlers Ford, has swum in the foundation squad at Winchester Penguins Swimming Club for two years.

She had originally planned a swimathon to raise money for Sports Relief in March, but her fundraising challenge was postponed after she was rushed to hospital for tests.

She was eventually diagnosed with Sympathetic Reflex Dystrophy – a rare condition in someone her age and fitness.

After a long road to recovery, Hannah was finally able to complete the 160-length swim last Saturdayon December 3.

She completed the 4,000 metre swim in 2 hours and 10 minutes at Riverpark Leisure Centre, raising more than £700 for Sport Relief.

Hannah said: “I was really nervous for the big day. However, I am super happy that I have done a great thing for a great charity.”

Hannah added that she wanted to thank everyone at her school, the hospital and at Winchester Penguins for supporting her, particularly Thelma, Selena and Ali.

Hannah’s dad Matt said: “It was getting tough for her towards the end but she battled through.

“We had a little drama when her goggles snapped half way through, but we managed to buy some goggles from the leisure centre shop while she carried on.”