THREE kind-hearted Weymouth schoolchildren made a splash for charity in a swimathon in memory of their great granddad.

Larissa Prowse from Chickerell said her three children Robbie, 15, 12-year-old Ryan and Chloe, 10, were first inspired to raise money after reading a story about the Echo Toy Appeal four years ago.

And since then they have undertaken various fundraising efforts for a range of different charities, including the Echo's Scarlett Russ appeal.

Last Saturday at 3pm, Robbie Ryan and Chloe tackled 200 lengths of Weymouth Swimming Pool in a swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mrs Prowse, 35, said: “Robbie managed 75 lengths of the pool in 44 minutes, Ryan completed 75 lengths in 46 minutes and Chloe took on 50 lengths in 37 minutes.

“I am incredibly proud of them and their efforts - and how they're constantly thinking about helping others.

“On Saturday the children were slightly nervous before the swimathon, but their family were there to cheer them on and in the end they did a fantastic job.

“Not only did they really enjoy themselves but they were also raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Larissa said the children's great granddad, Ron Smith died of cancer in 2013 so raising money for Marie Curie is a clause close to all of their hearts.

She added: “The children saw how Marie Curie cared for Ron in the last stages of his life, so they know how important the charity is and how the work they do helps others.”

Robbie and Ryan both attend Budmouth College while Chloe goes to Chickerell Primary Academy.

Over the past four years, the children's charity efforts have added up to £1,500.

Larissa said: “The amount they have raised is a great achievement for anyone, let alone three children.

““In the past the children have donated food boxes to Weymouth food bank at Christmas and hosted a Macmillan coffee morning - and events like these have all been their own idea.

“This swimathon has inspired the children to take on further fundraising challenges, and straight away they told me they can’t wait to do something else to raise money.”

Marie Curie provide care and support for more than 40,000 terminally ill people and their families in the UK each year.

Natalie Searle, South West fundraising manager for Marie Curie, said: “Swimathon offers a challenge for all ages, abilities and fitness levels and it's great to see swimmers like Robbie, Ryan and Chloe getting involved and swimming in memory of Ron.”

Anyone still wanting to donate can visit my.swimathon.org/sponsor/robbie-ryan--chloes-swim-in-memory-of-grandpa.

To find out more about Marie Curie visit mariecurie.org.uk.