Elodie Riley, 10, of Chedburgh near Bury St Edmunds, completes Motor Neurone Disease Association’s swimming challenge in honour of grandad Bill Furby

A 10-year-old girl has dived headfirst into a charity swimming challenge in memory of the grandfather she never got to meet.

Elodie Riley, 10, of Chedburgh near Bury St Edmunds, has completed a six-kilometre swimming challenge in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association — raising nearly £500 for the charity.

The Ickworth Park Primary School pupil took on the challenge in memory of her grandad, Bill Furby, who died from the disease 20 years ago at the age of 49.

Although they never met, Elodie swam in his honour, averaging 60 to 70 lengths per session to complete the distance way ahead of schedule.

“I know my dad would be so proud of her,” Natalie Riley, Elodie’s mum, said: “He was a really strong swimmer himself before he got poorly.

“Dad always encouraged the people in his life to take every opportunity, push yourself, and succeed with everything you can — so seeing Elodie take on this challenge and do so well really means a lot to all of us.”

Natalie said Elodie has loved swimming ever since starting lessons after lockdown.

Although she took on the same challenge last year and found it difficult to complete, this time around was much easier as her strength and confidence in the pool have grown.

“We are beyond proud of her,” Natalie said. “She really pushed herself — sometimes she gets out of the pool and her little legs are shaking, bless her.”

Elodie raised £485 so far and to donate to her cause, you can click here.

Her dad, Richard Riley, said: “The leisure centre in Bury has been fantastic by allowing Elodie to complete her lengths during her lessons and she’s also been swimming at the weekends.

“Elodie’s sister, Tallulah, has been incredibly supportive too — she even donated some of her birthday money to the fund-raiser.

“It’s just a massively proud moment for our entire family.”