A sporty youngster has regularly taken her kids' swimwear to her local pool to take part in a 500-length challenge.

Sapphire McKenzie is hoping to raise money for Basildon Hospital's new children's accident and emergency department through sponsorship.

The 12-year-old's dad Simon explained that she was moved to help the facility out as she is scared of hospitals - and wants to ensure that other youngsters are not afraid of visiting.

Mr McKenzie is also getting involved in the sponsored challenge and is planning to complete all 500 lengths in one go.

Sapphire, who has 50 lengths of her total left, explained to the Southend Echo that the cash will be spent on two snoozling machines.

"They help make A&E less scary for children by projecting special images on the walls that will make the children feel more at home," she remarked.

Last month, a group of youngsters took their kids' swimwear to Deden Swimming Pool to take part in a challenge to raise cash for baby charity Dexter's Fund, according to the Evening Star.

Posted by Eileen KirkADNFCR-3005-ID-19749761-ADNFCR