A FATHER from Kempshott has swum more than 30 miles in memory of his ‘courageous’ daughter who died a decade ago.

Colin Godfrey set himself the challenge to swim a total of 30 miles in memory of his youngest daughter Melissa, who died ten years ago at the age of 21, on November 28, 2008.

The aim was also to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust - Melissa’s death was caused by the disease.

Colin, 72, smashed both the time that it took to take part in the challenge and his fundraising target.

Colin said: “I cleared my diary out for the whole of November to make sure that I could swim a mile a day at the Aquadrome.

“I averaged over 2,000 metres a session, and passed my target a day early on November 29.

“It felt rather appropriate to pass the mark near to the decade passing since her death.

“She is still with us all, and supporting me and my family through our lives.

“I started with the target of £500, and then I raised it to £1,000.

“I’ve now rocketed past £1,300 and now I am climbing past £1,500.

“It would be brilliant to raise as much as possible, and thank you to everyone who has donated so far.”

Colin is no stranger to the pool.

Having been involved at the poolside at Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club for more than 20 years as a swim teacher, coach, official and chair, Colin took up swim training with the Masters Squad after Melissa’s death.

Since then, he has swum a couple of open water, one mile swims, but none since 2012.

About his daughter, Colin added: “Even though she had 21 years of physio, went all over the world, and lived life to the full and gave us all an example to follow.

“Even in my old age, doing things like this feels like nothing compared to what she had to go through. She was so courageous throughout her life and influenced all those the she came in touch with.”

The goal of the exercise was to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

To donate to Colin’s cause, to help him climb even further past his target, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ColinGodfrey.