Portland's boy tackles Weymouth harbour swim for pal (From Dorset Echo)

Portland's boy tackles Weymouth harbour swim for pal

9:54am Monday 21st December 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

PLUCKY Connor Merson is plunging into the sea on Christmas Day to honour his best friend’s battle against leukaemia.

Connor, aged eight, from Portland, decided to join in the annual swim across Weymouth harbour to raise money for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent in support of his best friend Rory Kirkland.

Connor got the idea after his mum Sally Merson took part last year but, as both his parents need to swim with him, his dad Mark has pledged to brave the cold too.

Rory, aged seven, is in the Kingfisher Ward in Dorchester recovering from his second phase of chemotherapy.

Connor said: “Rory is my best friend in the universe and I’m really sad he’s in hospital.

“I wish he was at school playing with me.”

“I’m going to take it easy during the swim and be as brave as I can.

“I’m going to do it for Rory.”

Connor and Rory go to Southwell Primary School and play football in the Portland United under-eights team.

Mrs Merson, 35, from Reap Lane, Portland, said: “I’m incredibly proud because he was really upset when he found out about his best mate being so ill.

“He felt so helpless and wanted to do something to help.

Connor has swimming lessons at Weymouth Swimming Pool and is a member of the Tornadoes dive team at Boscawen Leisure Centre on Portland.

His mum added: “I did it last year and it was cold so I probably would not have done it again if it was not for Connor.

“I got half way across last year and could not feel my fingers and toes.”

Connor will be getting help in the form of a wetsuit and hat lent to him in sponsorship by the O’Three dive shop.

His dad, Mark Merson, 38, said his son’s gesture was not out of character. He said: “He feels that’s what he needs to do to help his friend out.”

Southwell headteacher Stuart McLeod and 20 parents and governors had their heads shaved to raise money for CLIC Sargent in honour of Rory, who is in Year 3 and was unable to take his place in the school’s nativity play this week.

The school also has been selling CLIC Sargent friendship bracelets.

Mr McLeod said Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Rory’s favourite team Manchester United, was contacted and sent a letter to him in hospital.

Mr Mcleod said: “Rory is a very pleasant and quiet little boy. It was devastating when we found out.”

To sponsor Connor’s and his family’s swim call them on 01305 826061 or visit the website uk.virginmoneygiving.com/sallymersonconnorswim