An 11-year-old girl is swimming 21 miles - the same distance as the English Channel swim - to raise money for a cancer charity close to her heart.

Esmae Green, who is a member of Stevenage Swimming Club, explained: "This June and July, I'm challenging myself to swim 21 miles and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support."

Macmillan at Lister Hospital in Stevenage is currently supporting a close family member of Esmae's through their cancer battle, so it's a cause close to her heart.

"I want to raise money for Macmillan because they have helped my family," she said.

"I am enjoying getting my miles in. Last Friday, I swam a mile in an hour. I have completed just under five miles so far."

Esmae, who has always been a keen swimmer, has raised £2,360 to date - smashing her £500 target.

She said: "Anything you can donate really will help make a difference. It'll keep me motivated to keep swimming too!"

To make a donation, visit swimit.macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/esmaes-swim-raiser-fundraising.