A NINE-year-old girl is getting ready to swim the equivalent of the English Channel to help a cause close to her heart.

Evie Cutter, from Hindley, has been inspired by her grandad, Andy, who has has had diabetes for more than 60 years, to swim 44 miles.

The St Benedict’s Primary School pupil, who is part of Wigan Swimming Club’s squad, will be doing twice the distance of Diabetes UK’s Swim22 challenge on May 28 to raise money for the charity.

She said: “I would swim all around the world for my grandad if it would help people learn more about diabetes.”

Her younger sister Alivia, five, mum Leigh, 34, and dad Lee, 33, will also be swimming another 22 miles to take the combined distance up to 66 miles.

The sisters also swam 32 lengths in aid of Diabetes UK two years ago.

Their mum Leigh, decided to take on the challenge after being inspired by her daughters.

She said: “I am so proud of their efforts and am looking forward to getting involved too.

I have wanted to get more exercise and Swim22 seemed like the perfect motivation.”

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

It affects around 4.5 million people in the UK with no known cure.

Vickie Butcher, Diabetes UK regional fundraiser, said: “We are delighted that the Cutter family are making a splash for Diabetes UK. “The lengths that they are going to will bring us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

“Swim22 is perfect if you want to challenge yourself to get fitter at your own pace and in your own time.

“You can swim in your local pool alone or, better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved.

“You can even split the 22 miles between a team to make it easier for everyone.

“Our dedicated team will be on hand to support you from start to finish.”

Evie also recently struck gold three times at the Wigan Development Gala in January.

She won the 25m freestyle, 25m backstroke and 25m breaststroke events in the competition.

To sponsor the Cutter family’s 66-mile swimming challenge, visit justgiving.com/leighcutter.