SWIMMER Rachael Pile is close to completing the equivalent of a length of Britain marathon swim for charity.

For the talented teenager pledged to swim the equivalent of the distance between John O'Groats and Land's End over a 12-month period and is now close to completing her marathon 'splash' in aid of a children's charity.

Rainford High School pupil Rachael has been swimming since she was a tot and regularly competes for the Wigan Wasps and Ormskirk Otters clubs. The 13-year-old has recently won a silver medal, two bronze medals and achieved sixth and eighth place finishes in various events in the National Age Group Swimming Competition held in Coventry.

And when she learned that three of her school teachers were to tackle a marathon sponsored run for charity, Rachael decided to do her bit by taking the plunge. Dad, Graham explained: "Rachael has always been keen to help local charities and in January this year she heard that three teachers planned to do a sponsored run, covering the equivalent of the total distance between John O' Groats and Land's End over 12 months. She reckoned this was a great idea and decided to cover the same distance herself -- in the swimming pool!"

Rachael began adding together the total distances she covered in each training session, gala and competition. Now, 11 months and more than 1,130 km into the challenge, she has got 'as far as Devon' and is close to completing her goal.

Graham added: "We are not sure how much she will raise yet and we would welcome any offers of sponsorship. Rachael is planning to donate the money to the Joshua Foundation which pays for terminally ill children to go on holidays."

If you would like to sponsor Rachael in her marathon mission, you can contact Graham on (01744) 88 2150 (daytime). ALMOST there... young swimmer, Rachael Pile charts her progress.