ONE county woman decided that turning 50 would be the perfect opportunity to raise funds for a cause close to her heart.

Melanie Denning, from Dormington, and a team of friends swam 50 lengths for 31 days at their local pools – including Wye Leisure in Fownhope.

The challenge – devised by Mrs Denning whose son has Cystic Fibrosis – raised more than £8,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in its 50th year and finished on her own birthday.

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/nifty50