JSB Swim swimmers raised more than £2,000 in support of Newark family’s mission to adapt home for daughter with cerebral palsy

More than 100 swimmers joined forces in a bid to help a disabled seven-year-old gain her independence.

Charlotte Edlin, 7, from Newark, is affected by cerebral palsy, a condition which affects movement and muscle coordination.

She was diagnosed at 18 months old — which led to several health challenges and to needing the help of her parents, Tobias and Katie, just to wash and go to bed.

Members of JBS Swim, Newark, ages ranging from babies to elders, raised more than £2,000 to help Charlotte through sponsored swimming which resulted in a combined total of 14 km being covered over a week.

As Charlotte grows, her parents want to give her the independence she needs. This will involve building a downstairs bedroom and wet room and making doorways and rooms such as the kitchen larger and more accessible.

The family have received a council grant to cover the costs but need to raise about £20,000 themselves to finish the work.

Jackie Butler, the owner of JBS Swim, said: “People have just been so generous, I have had my eyes open to the fact that people, particularly for a local cause, are happy to help out.

“I am very fortunate in the business that I started here 13 years ago as I honestly did not know what I was doing, except that there was a need to teach swimming individually in the area.

“I think there are a lot of people who are worse than ourselves in a lot of different ways. I think everyone should be looking at ways of helping others if it is doable.

“People are learning to swim here and then I get to see them put it to good cause and raise some money.”

One of the school’s swimming teachers is friends with Kate and suggested organising a sponsored swim for Charlotte.

“We are absolutely thrilled and we appreciate every penny so much.

“We never expected Jackie to raise this much and we are just so grateful.”

Charlotte’s parents are currently carrying her up and down the stairs — but this will become trickier as she gets older and as Charlotte wants to become more independent.

As she uses a walker and wheelchair, the seven-year-old has to crawl up stairs to go to the bathroom.

Kate said previously: “This will allow her to have her independence and go to the toilet or have a shower by herself. Just to have a bedroom downstairs will change her life.”

If you would like to help the Edlin family out, you can make a donation via their JustGiving page.

The family has managed to raise just over £2,600 towards its £20,000 target.