Stradbroke woman swims 50 miles in five weeks to raise money for Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

A 24-year-old woman from Stradbroke is raising money in honour of her mum, who died of cancer.

Hattie Clarke, of Laxfield Road, is aiming to swim 50 miles in five weeks to raise money for the cancer unit at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Her mum, Beckie, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 and died in September. She was 49.

Hattie, who is an assistant health manager, said: “I am doing this event in memory of my incredible, heroic mum. She is the strongest and bravest person I will ever know and my biggest supporter, which is why I want to be able to celebrate her and do her proud.”

Hattie swam competitively for seven years, but stopped when she was 16.

“I always loved swimming and mum was there at every competition,” she said.

“If she knew I was doing this challenge, she would probably be crying and very proud.”

The 50-mile swim will include the Great East Swim in June and the London Dock to Dock Swim in July.

Hattie hopes to raise £1,000 for the ward her mum stayed on.

“My mum was vegan and the staff there went out of their way to get her special drinks and food, which they didn’t have to do,” she said.

“In the last month, when she had her own room, they let us stay for however long we wanted and put up a bed for us.”

She described her mum, who worked at Stradbroke Bakery, as vibrant, funny and family-oriented.

“She was always the person I looked forward to coming home to,” said Hattie.

“She used to write notes and little messages of support if we had an exam or a competition that day, and put it in everyone’s lunches.”

To donate, go visit her fundraising page.