EXPERTS at Basingstoke hospital have helped a teenage girl to swim again after she developed a breathing disorder.

Jasmine Wills had been swimming competitively since she was nine-years-old but was distraught when she discovered that she had a breathing disorder, which could mean she may never be able to swim again.

The determined 13-year-old, from Winklebury, Basingstoke, was helped by respiratory physiotherapy experts at Basingstoke hospital, who re-trained Jasmine to breathe normally through intensive specialist physiotherapy sessions.

To celebrate her return to the water, Jasmine, a pupil at Park House School, in Newbury, decided to set herself a challenge to mark her incredible comeback which would also benefit others.

She took part in a 5km swim at Eton Dorney Lake, swimming four laps and three widths of the Olympic rowing course, in one hour and 17 minutes.

With temperatures in the water dropping to a chilly 16 degrees, Jasmine managed to come in 11 th overall, despite being treated for the initial stages of hypothermia in the first aid tent.

She was declared the fifth female across the finish line, and raised £500 for Mencap through her challenge.

Jasmine said: “The thought of stopping did cross my mind, but I was driven on by the support of those who had sponsored me, and my determination to raise so much money to help other people.”

Derek Peaple, headteacher at Park House School, said: “Jasmine personifies the values of courage and determination which we emphasise across the student body at Park House. She is an inspiration to us all.”