TEACHERS will take on a charity challenge in support of a three-year-old who has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Twelve teachers from The Cotswold School, past and present will swim in the Macmillan All Out Swim at the Cheltenham Sandford Lido on Saturday, to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care.

Teachers Matt and Suzanne Smith were struck by the news that their three year-old son Benjamin was diagnosed with leukaemia in June.

Mrs Smith said: “Benjamin is now on his third phase of treatment and to date has had over 79 doses of Chemotherapy drugs and is responding well.

"Watching him slowly look more and more poorly, syringing 3 different drugs through a nose tube twice a day, brushing his hair out is something I don't want anyone else to experience.

"I am hoping the money from this swimathon will help other children, adults and families.

"We have already had help from Macmillan nurses and doctors so we know what a good charity this is. Benjamin is an amazing little boy and I will be swimming for him."

The twelve teachers will relay swim 300 lengths of the 50 metre pool, a total of 15 kilometres – without the heating on in the pool, so far raising £4,500.

Nine of the 12 teachers taking part are current members of staff at The Cotswold School, whilst the other three used to teach at the school.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/suzanne-smith76