A BASINGSTOKE boy has raised more than £1,000 for a cause close to his heart by swimming 2,500 metres at his local pool.

George Dillow took on the charity challenge in memory of his grandfather, Michael Arslantas, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on January 17, aged 72.

Ten-year-old George, from Bartley Heath, North Warnborough, wanted to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice, in Basingstoke, where his grandfather spent the last days of his life.

The super swimmer, who is a member of Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club, set himself the challenge of completing 2,500 metres at the Aquadrome, at Basingstoke Leisure Park, and was cheered on by family and friends.

A photograph of Michael was positioned at the end of the lane to spur George on, and he told The Gazette that he swam on the left hand side, imagining his grandfather was swimming along with him on the right.

He said: “I focused on the swimming and did it non-stop. I’m happy that I raised all that money. Popa would be really proud.”

George’s mum, Nuriye Arslantas, said: “The hospice was so lovely and good to us and this was completely George’s own idea. That’s what amazes me – for a 10-year-old it’s quite a lot of pressure with everyone watching.”

She added: “It was quite emotional.”

George’s dad, Sean Dillow, said his son wanted to raise money for the hospice to thank them for their kindness and support.

He added: “Michael’s health deteriorated dramatically in the final two months of his life and George had to watch his dear Popa go from an active person, out walking the dogs, taking him and his brother Charlie to the park, and running errands for neighbours, to a frail man who could hardly breathe, let alone walk.

“When Popa finally passed away at the hospice, surrounded by family, George decided that he wanted to do something positive, firstly to thank the hospice, but also to mark Popa’s life.

“Popa was a giver and was always on hand to help out, so George wanted to give something back to the hospice to thank them for their help.”

The Hook Junior School pupil completed his swimming challenge in just 50 minutes, and has managed to raise over £1,100 for the hospice, in Aldermaston Road, through sponsorship.

Proud Sean said: “It would have been so easy to do nothing during this difficult, emotional time, but George decided to do something positive, something to focus on, and in a way help the rest of the family grieve.”

You can still sponsor George at justgiving.com/GeorgeDillow.