BUDE girl Kerry Ford, 17, has taken the plunge and signed up to take part in the Great North Swim to raise sponsorship for Cerebral Palsy Sport.

Kerry is currently training for the one mile open water swim that takes place in Lake Windermere on September 12 and 13.

She has a special reason for supporting this charity as she sadly lost a cousin who had cerebral palsy and wants to raise sponsorship in his memory.

Kerry's Mum, Morag Ford, has been busy fundraising for the charity for several years now and her latest challenge is cycling from Bude to Nottingham in October.

All the sponsorship raised will help the charity reach more children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Cerebral Palsy is the most common form of severe disability amongst children worldwide with one in 400 births resulting in the condition.

Difficulties faced by those with the condition include, uncontrolled or lack of movements in some or all limbs, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairments and sometimes a learning difficulty.

People with the condition may find themselves marginalised in society, bullied at school and may have psychological problems due to frustrations caused by their disability.

Cerebral Palsy Sport aims to change all this. By engaging children and adults with cerebral palsy in sport, the charity helps to build self-confidence, friendships and support networks. Individuals come to events and relish the opportunity to participate in sport in an inclusive environment where they are no longer made to feel 'different'.

The charity still has places available in this event and would love to hear from more people in Bude who would like to support Cerebral Palsy by taking part in the Great North Swim. For further information call Caroline on 07968 101958 or email [email protected]">[email protected].