Greg Gilbert's niece takes on epic charity swim in his memory

Cherry Gilbert, a Year 5 Beechwood Junior School pupil, swam 100 lengths in an hour to raise £5,000 and counting for Bowel Cancer UK. 

Greg, the lead singer of the Southampton indie band with hits including Valentine and Long Time Coming and a celebrated artist, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016 at just 39 and died in September 2021.

READ MORE: Six-year-old taking on 16.6 mile walk in aid of her beloved air ambulances

Cherry, from Bitterne Park, is the daughter of Greg's brother and bandmate Aaron.

Cherry, who shares a love of art with her uncle, previously sold home-baked cookies with her cousins, Greg's daughters Dali and Bay, for charity in his honour, but decided to put her swimming skills to use this time.

After completing the 2,500m at the University of Southampton's Jubilee Sports Centre, she said: "I felt unstoppable when I did my last length! At first, I thought I can't do this but then I had a positive mindset and knew I could. I am so happy to have completed this challenge and raised all the money!"

Mum Michelle added: "Cherry always knew that Greg was poorly, but it was only a couple of months before his tragic death that she knew the severity of his illness.

"Cherry is very much like me, she wants to help, she wants to do something. We spoke about her skills and strengths, and it was her idea to do a swimming challenge. She’s a very strong swimmer, as she’s had lessons since she was a baby. She's been practising for a few months and I’m so impressed by how quickly she can swim. She’s not even out of breath!

"Aaron and I are so incredibly proud of her."

Family and friends cheered on Cherry and, as she completed the 100-lap challenge, the whole building was chanting her name.

Luke Squires, director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, told the Daily Echo: "Cherry took on this magnificent challenge like a duck to water, and most certainly wasn’t out of her depth. She’s an absolute superstar."

The money raised will go towards funding lifesaving research into bowel cancer.

Donate at justgiving.com/page/cherry-gilbert-1666966969829

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