Isabella’s “big swim” raises £1,350 for starving millions

AN eight-year-old girl from Lymm  has raised more than £1,350  to help up to 16 million  people on the brink of starvation in East Africa – by swimming her heart out.
Isabella Burton took the plunge at Lymm Leisure Centre and swam 46 lengths in an hour – cheered on by friends and family.
She originally hoped to raise £750, but has almost doubled that – with the amount still rising.
Proud Mum Melissa said: “Isabella came up with the idea herself after seeing Matt Baker on television appealing on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee’s East Africa Crisis Appeal.
“She said she wanted to do something and thought of a sponsored swim. We set up a Just Giving page called Isabella’s Big Swim at  www.Justgiving.com/Isabella-Burton  which is where most people donated.
“Anyone who wants to help can still donate there.”
Isabella, a pupil at Bowdon Prep School, attends swimming lessons at Lymm Leisure Centre and has just received her Stage 5 ASA award.
She also attends the Enid Wrigley School of Dance at Oughtrington where she does ballet and tap and is currently preparing for a show at the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn. She is also a Brownie at Maple Lodge, Lymm.
Her Mum added: “Isabella has been incredibly motivated to spread the word. She gets excited every time another donation comes in. For every £5 she says: ‘That will help a malnourished child for a week’.
“She is hoping her effort will encourage others to do something similar.”
Isabella is the 4th highest individual fundraiser for the Disasters Emergency Committee through Just Giving.
“It has made her realise the difference one person can make with the support of friends, family and the public.
The Disaster’s Emergency Committee  works by bringing 13 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis to provide and deliver aid.