A BASINGSTOKE schoolboy will swim 2,500metres at his local pool next week to raise money in memory of his grandfather.

George Dillow decided to take on the charity challenge after his grandfather, Michael Arslantas, died on January 17 of pancreatic cancer aged 72.

Ten-year-old George, from Bartley Heath, said: “Poppa was one of the world’s givers and thought nothing of helping anyone. So I thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for St Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke, who looked after my Poppa in his time of need.

“They made him and all the family feel comfortable right to the end, so I thought it would be good to give something back to the hospice for all their help.”

George, a pupil at Hook Junior School, who is a member of Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club, will complete 100 lengths of the 25m pool at the Aquadrome, at Basingstoke Leisure Park, on February 18.

He will be cheered on by family and friends, and expects the challenge to take around two hours.

George has already raised more than £700 for the hospice, in Aldermaston Road, through sponsorship.

His father, Sean Dillow, said he was proud of his son, adding: “It was all his own idea.”

To sponsor George visit his fundraising page at justgiving.com/GeorgeDillow.