THE sight of a small child struggling to lift a slab of rock galvanised her into action.

Grandmother-of-nine Eileen Elmer got out of her wheelchair and into the swimming pool as a result of an advert for Sports Relief - an off-shoot of Comic Relief which raises money to combat famine.

Former dressmaker Eileen, 64, had not swum since she discovered she was suffering with leukaemia four years ago and had complications with her legs.

"I saw it on TV - this little girl struggling with a great slab trying to find seeds underneath it to eat," said Eileen, who lives in Shaftesbury Close, West Moors.

"I thought 'why can't I try and help somebody else?'.

"I have had help from other people, now it's my turn."

Her husband retired aircraft engineer Peter was a bit doubtful about whether she could manage.

Granddaughter Carly Elmer, 16, from Ferndown Upper went with her the first time and things went well.

"I paid for it a couple of days afterwards," Eileen said.

"My feet were very sore and my legs were painful but I was determined to come back for another go."

Swimming instructor Tina Barnes, 19 - who just happens to be another granddaughter - puts her through her paces at Ferndown Sports Centre.

"She's doing brilliantly - I'm very proud," said Tina.

And Eileen is enjoying the benefits.

"It's certainly made my legs stronger - the muscles were very weak because I sit for so many hours," she added.

The leisure centre is roping off a lane specially for her at 11.30am on July 13, the day of the event.

If you would like to sponsor Eileen, call the centre on 01202 877468.