SENSATIONAL Sophie, in Year 7 at Worle Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset was inspired to swim for Cancer Research UK by her Great Nan, who died shortly before of cancer, writes Oliver, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent.

She has many medals from her swimming, and has reached Stage 7 at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, the local pool, which is the highest level available.

In total, throughout her multiple swimathons, Sophie has raised £370. 

For one of them, she had two hours to swim 128 lengths, and completed it in around one hour and 40 minutes, setting off with the mentality that she should ‘just do it.’

She began her swimming aged just three, and has ‘loved the water ever since.’ 

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Now, she also does Rookie Lifeguard, inspired by her dad, who rescued her grandad in Spain when he was drowning, and aspires to eventually become a qualified swimming teacher. 

When asked what advice she would give to someone who would like to follow in her footsteps, she said: ‘Just put your fishy tail on and keep swimming.’

Principal Mark Tidman said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we are super proud of Sophie who has helped to raise so much money for a wonderful charity.”

WCSA celebrates heroes every day as part of their PROUD plan to inspire students to be Prepared, Respectful, Optimistic, Understanding and Determined. 

The school was the first to set up a Jill Dando News Centre in 2017 in memory of former student, Jill Dando. 

Oliver, 13, who wrote this story is one of an expanding number of young journalists who find, write and publish positive good news as well as modelling kindness, humility and positivity. 

WCSA is full of student heroes who are doing incredible things for other people, the community and to make the world a better place.