A SCHOOLGIRL from Goldhanger has dived into a charity challenge to raise £7,000.

Eleven-year-old Alexandra Gibbon has been taking part in the Aspire Channel Swim to help raise money for the spinal cord injuries charity.

She has been swimming lengths to complete 22 miles – the distance of swimming the English Channel – over 12 weeks.

Alexandra, who currently attends Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire, has been swimming twice a week at a sports centre close to the school.

Her huge fundraising efforts mean she is on course to be the leading fundraiser for Aspire across the UK with one anonymous donor handing over £1,000.

Alexandra said: “I was originally asked to take on this swim as part of a team with two other girls.

“I asked my mummy to explain to me what the charity did and she told me it helped to support people who have been paralysed by spinal cord spinal injuries.

“These injuries could happen to anyone at any time, people just like you and me.

“I told mummy that if I took on the challenge to swim 22 miles by myself rather than as a team, people would sponsor more money as it would be more of an achievement.

“The more money I raise, the more it will help Aspire.”

In a bid to complete the challenge Alexandra has been getting up at 6am to get to the pool and complete her miles.

Her current fundraising total is £7,022.

Aspire’s Kathryn Boyd said: “Alexandra’s achievement is fantastic.

“Not only is she one of our youngest swimmers, but she looks set to be our biggest fundraiser for the 2015 Aspire Channel Swim, and could even become the event’s top fundraiser ever.

“The funds she has so far raised would enable Aspire to help three spinal cord injured people to purchase a lightweight wheelchair, giving them a level of independence that most people take for granted.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/alex-gibbon.