A COURAGEOUS six-year-old girl is taking the plunge for Sport Relief.

Charlotte O’Dowd is among those raising money for the cause by taking on a sporty challenge and aims to swim four lengths – or 100 metres – of her local swimming pool tomorrow.

Sport Relief brings the nation together to get active, have fun and raise life-changing money, and this year the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games features running, swimming and cycling events across the UK.

Individuals, schools and community groups in Dorset are getting involved in their own events tomorrow and over the weekend including tackling the Sport Relief Mile.

Other events include a sponsored six hour spinathon taking place at Fitness World in Southill, Weymouth, tomorrow.

Charlotte, who lives on Portland, will undertake her challenge at the Osprey Leisure Centre pool.

The brave youngster regularly attends swimming lessons with the Tornadoes of South Dorset at the same centre, but has only ever managed to swim one width of the pool before now.

Charlotte, who attends St George’s Primary School, wanted to do something for Sport Relief after learning more about the charity from her mum.

Mum Jo O’Dowd said: “I suggested that Charlotte could maybe swim a length or two of our local pool, to which she replied that she wanted to do four lengths – which is very brave.

“She wanted to do something extra to raise money other than what she was already doing at school.

“Charlotte is very fearless and can’t wait to give the swim a go; I am so incredibly proud of her and think she is so brave.

“The Tornadoes have let her join in on their A-Squad training session on Friday night at 7pm.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of the Tornadoes and the use of the pool.

“I’ve also been collecting sponsorship from my work – Ultra Electronics – and have raised nearly £200 in just one morning.

“Thank you to everyone.”

.A Sport Relief spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to hear about the challenge Charlotte has set herself and wish her all the very best.

“The money people like Charlotte raise will make a huge difference to people living incredibly tough lives.”

  •  If you’re doing an event for Sport Relief call the Dorset Echo Newsdesk on 01305 830999.