Jack goes to great lengths for charity

Jack Bayley swims for meningitis charity

A YOUNG autism sufferer who wanted to raise money for charity at the Great London Swim was devastated when it was cancelled.

But Jack Bayley, who attends Newbridge School in Hollinwood and couldn’t swim at all two years ago, was determined to take part in a half-mile swimming challenge despite the setback.

Jack was on his way to London with his mum Valerie and dad Neil to take part in the open water challenge when it was cancelled at the last minute.

Valerie said: “He had been looking forward to it for months. It was a huge disappointment for him.”

As it would be another year until the next Great London Swim, they decided to do a half-mile challenge at an outdoor centre in Gorton instead.

Jack, who was able to get a lifeguard to swim alongside him, raised just under £500 for the Meningitis Now charity.

Valerie (40), who works for Oldham Council, added: “For him to be able to do that is amazing really..”