SWIMMERS from across the borough have done themselves proud after they raised an impressive £22,000 for charity.

Water Babies, which runs swimming classes for babies and toddlers, organised the Splashathon events in aid of children's charity Tommies which were held events at pools across the borough.

One swimmer, who swam at the Sylvestrian Centre in Snaresbrook, raised over £1000 by themselves, and events across the country generated a total of £213,522.

Hannah Yeomans runs Water Babies classes throughout Redbridge. She said: “With one in four women still tragically losing a baby in pregnancy or birth, the help that our babies can give their unborn peers is still absolutely vital.

”Donations were achieved by babies and toddlers being sponsored to carry out a specific swimming task they’d previously never attempted. For most clients, it’s the first fundraising task they’ve participated in as parents, so they always respond really enthusiastically.

”However, this year’s results have been truly astounding, especially considering the current economic climate. Initially we somewhat nervously committed to trying to raise £100,000 for Tommy’s, never imagining we’d more than double it!”

For more information on Water Babies classes contact Hannah on 020 8989 4821.