‘Incredible’ effort by Littlehampton teenager to thank baby unit

The 13-year-old put everything on the line during a gruelling 10-mile swim – a distance which was twice as far as his previous furthest distance of four miles.

The Littlehampton Academy student swam 600 lengths, non-stop, for an impressive six hours 40 minutes, raising more than £1,300 for Worthing Hospital’s special care baby unit – which had helped to save his life when he was born six weeks premature.

Ryan admitted he almost gave in at times during his epic test of endurance at the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre.

“It was really difficult. On the seventh mile I didn’t think I could make it,” he said.

Ryan added he couldn’t have accomplished the swim without the “incredible” support of his family – particularly his grandparents who helped him with his fund-raising.

His mum, Anita, was overwhelmed by her son’s mettle. She said: “We couldn’t be any more proud.

“It was such an incredible accomplishment.

“But his younger brother, Luke, was a star too, helping collect all day.”

Ryan’s total is predicted to exceed £1,500 by the end of the month.

He thanked everyone who supported him.