Young Swindon' swimmer makes a splash in memory of grandad Tony Sheen (From Swindon Advertiser)

Young Swindon' swimmer makes a splash in memory of grandad Tony Sheen

10:15am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News

SIX-year-old Cerys Jenkins made a splash at the weekend in memory of her beloved grandfather Tony Sheen.

Honda worker Tony died from pancreatic cancer in March, aged just 53.

To help raise money for the Prospect Hospice, where Tony was cared for, little Cerys was sponsored to swim 20 widths at Dorcan Recreation Centre.

Cerys’ mum, Becky, 31, from Stratton and the rest of her family cheered from the poolside and so far, more than £400 has been raised. Becky said: “She still talks about Grampy, and she misses him so much. She’s quite sensitive and gets upset. We had a tough time trying to explain because Dad was not old. She is frightened we are going to die too and I can’t promise her because it can affect anyone.

“The swim was all Cerys’ idea, and it blew us away when she came up with it.

“We were on holiday and were talking about Dad and she said she would like to raise some money for Prospect.”

Cerys had originally hoped to raise £100 for ‘Grampy’s special account’, also known as the Bluebell Tribute Fund, but has far surpassed her target. Since Tony died, members of the family have been helped by the hospice’s family support team, and in return they have taken part in the Starlight Walk, a Total Warrior challenge and Becky’s brother Luke and husband Gareth will both run the Swindon Half Marathon.