A GROUP of friends were determined not to be beaten when they took park in a charity swimathon.

The team of eight from Gorse Covert Day Centre, who all have profound and multiple learning and physical disabilities, struggle to walk, stand unaided or even feed themselves.

But this did not stop them from raising hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Martin Kent, Dawn Maher, Amelda Igoe, Susan Hughes, Ashley Wilson, June Algie, Carol Wright and Sarah Hughes joined forces to help raise money for the charity.

Dawn Maher, from Longbarn, took part in the challenge, swimming 11 lengths - an incredible feat as simply moving her arms and legs can leave her exhausted for days.

Her sister, Debra said it was the most ‘amazing sponsored swim you will ever witness’.

“I feel humbled to have watched them all overcome their physical disabilities to enable them to raise money for people in need,” said Debra.

Dawn is a quadriplegic, which means that each day is filled with obstacles that she has to overcome.

The 45-year-old also faces challenges caused by a build-up of fluid inside the skull known as hydrocephalus.

Debra said: “She had meningitis when she was only four days old. She used to be able to walk when she was younger but now she is in a wheelchair”

The group of eight had to be hoisted into the swimming pool in Bolton with the constant support from their carers.

The pool provided a place where the eight friends could relax as well as giving them the freedom to move about more freely.

Debra said: “The look on their faces as they were lowered into the water was priceless.

“The staff from Gorse Covert Day Centre also deserve a special mention. Their dedication has been heart warming.”

A ceremony was held at Gorse Covert Day Centre where the friends received medals presented by the Mayor of Warrington, Clr Peter Carey.

Lisa Best, team manager at the centre, said: “They are an inspiration. They have their own difficulties but they wanted to give back to people who are in need. We are so proud of them.”