A NEW swimmer who has battled a series of life threatening illnesses is taking the plunge for a six-hour fundraising effort.

Gina Ravens, 56, from Wood Farm Road, Headington, Oxford, suffers from various lung and kidney conditions and has been in a wheelchair since 2003.

Last year she ballooned to 24 stone after being prescribed steroids to combat a spleen condition.

Following a gruelling exercise regime that has seen her lose almost three stone in six months, Ms Ravens said she now felt well enough to “win one over” on the illnesses that have dogged her life.

And she is appealing for sponsorship as she attempts to swim 128 lengths – two miles – of the pool at Ferry Sports Centre, in Summertown, on February 13. She hopes to raise £5,000 for Sport Relief.

She said: “I have never been good at sports because of my illnesses and I only learnt to swim two years ago so I thought this would be the perfect way to push myself.”

To sponsor Mrs Ravens visit sportrelief.com and search for Gina Ravens, or contact her at groxford@googlemail.com