The IW Canoe Club Paddlers are, from left, Olivia Daniels, Chris Parsloe, Chris Daniels and Jack and Lesley Blanchflower. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
LITTLE Mia Stillwell was the star of the show at this year’s Swimarathon, organised by the Sandown and Shanklin Lions Club.
Mia, four, was diagnosed with leukaemia just a week before her third birthday but the Ryde youngster’s bravery has astounded everyone and she has even received a Little Star Award from Cancer Research UK.
Along with five classmates from Jane McGregor’s Swimming Academy, based in Ryde, Mia took part in the annual charity swimming event at The Heights, Sandown, last Saturday. Team Mia, comprising six girls, aged five and under, managed to complete an impressive 33 lengths between them to raise around £500.
The money will be split between the team’s chosen charity, the children’s ward at St Mary’s Hospital, UKSA and the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, as nominated by the Sandown and Shanklin Lions Club.
"I thought it would be nice to have a Team Mia, as she has done so well and is a beautiful swimmer," said teacher Mrs McGregor.
"Her mum, Michelle, was watching from the pool side and she was really proud. All the parents were and all the children did really well. I’m just so chuffed with them."
Between £3,000 and £4,000 is believed to have been raised at the Lions Swimarathon, now in its 29th year. Twenty-seven teams took part, including groups from Island schools, scout groups and youth clubs.
Organiser Steve Raybould said: "We had more teams taking part and we hope next year, being our 30th anniversary, will be the biggest yet. There was lots of cheering and we raised a lot of money for Island charities."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk