A POLICE officer is set to take on the longest swim in England to help raise money for a colleague's daughter from Colchester with a rare genetic condition.

Andre Cundell, 50, hopes to complete Chillswim Windermere in under eight hours this weekend.

The officer from Elsenham is taking on the 11-mile swim across Lake Windermere for Colchester's Grace Beverton.

Grace, six, started having severe seizures in 2018 aged five-and-a-half-months.

Following several frightening hospital admissions and a barrage of tests, she was finally diagnosed with a mutation of the gene RHOBTB2 (x.1448G>A) following consultation with a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Grace is one of only 38 people diagnosed with the condition around the world, possibly only the third in the UK.

Andre, who works with Grace's father Dale, has previously conquered swims across Lakes Coniston and Ullswater.

He explained how this will complete his personal challenge of 'the big three.'

(Image: Tree of Hope)

He said: "I used to take part in triathlons but as I’ve got older, swimming is the only part of them which doesn’t hurt too much.

"I love being in the water, but expect this event to be a real challenge.

"The longest I have swum before is 7.5 miles in Ullswater, but that was in terrible weather conditions. Hopefully things will be a bit calmer this time."

Andre continued: "I’ve been working with Dale since February and only heard about Grace because one of our other colleagues was doing a 24-hour walk for her.

"He has a challenging full-time job and looking after and fundraising for a daughter with so many additional needs as well is a lot for anyone, so I’m really happy to be able to help out a little if I can.

"I also have a daughter called Grace who is seven, and she and my wife Mandy are coming up to the Lakes with me as support, along with my sister Michelle, so I’m looking forward to a few drinks once I’ve completed the swim.

The funds raised from the swim will help Grace access therapies and equipment not available on the NHS.

Grace's father, Dale, 35, said: "I’m very grateful to Andre for taking part in this massive swim for Grace and with him all the best.

"Can’t wait to hear all about it."

To sponsor the fundraiser, visit treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton or https://www.justgiving.com/page/andre-cundall-1713390721041.