Hundreds in swim to boost Edward fund

Edward Dee, 10, from St Annes died of meningitis in December 2016 and more than £65,000 has already been raised in his name to aid research into the disease.

That total looks set to surpass £80,000 when a record number of teams take part in the Lytham St Annes Lions swimarathon at St Annes YMCA Pool.

Over 32 years of the event, more than £200,000 has been raised for a variety of good causes, including £13,500 last year for Brian House children’s hospice.

With a record 66 teams equating to more than 500 sponsored swimmers, organisers are confident of raising at least £15,000 for the Edward Dee Forever Fund for Meningitis Now.

Joe Woods, of the Lions, said: “It has been an incredible response. I have been involved with the event for 31 years and I have never known anything like it.”

Edward’s mum Elizabeth said: “The fact so many teams have registered is testament to the love this community has for Edward. It’s really touching and comforting that he is held in such high esteem by so many.”

Sunday 28 January swimarathon starts at 8am.