A Girl Guides group has taken part in an overnight ‘swimathon’ to raise funds for a charity which offers palliative care.

31 Guides and their four leaders from the North Oxford and Marston District swam from dusk until dawn, surpassing their initial fundraising target of £650 to raise a total of £3,564 for Sobell House.

Proceeds from the swimathon are dedicated to the Oxford-based charity which specialises in palliative care for people facing terminal illnesses, death, and bereavement.

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The event forms part of the Oxtrail challenge badge, an initiative by Girlguiding Oxfordshire aimed at raising funds for four mini oxen to join the trail in Oxford this summer.

Girl Guides learn about compassion and kindness which are crucial to patients and families at Sobell House.

North Oxford and Marston Girlguiding district commissioner, Hannah Farley, said: "The Guides had an amazing time taking part in the challenge, and cheered each other on all night long.

"They have such a supportive sisterhood and always look out for each other - that really shone through tonight."

One of the Girls Guide's said: "It felt really good to have lots of time getting to know new people and building my friendships as well as doing something active, knowing it was all for a great cause."

The event took place at Summer Fields school in Oxford on February 9.