A FUNDRAISER for a local charity is swimming the equivalent of the channel to raise money for the organisation.

Jo Drew, part of the fundraising team at the Gilead Foundations Charity, is swimming 22 miles to raise money to help fund a new kitchen for the organisation, based at Risdon Farm,?Jacobstowe.

The charity offers a residential rehabilitation programme to those with life-controlling addictions.

Jo used to be a 'house parent', living with adults whose lives have been devastated by addiction. She said: 'When you see someone who was literally dying on arrival turn their life around, you just want to tell others how to become involved.

'We are truly grateful for the support the public gives and could not continue the work without them.'

Jo is more than halfway through the challenge, and has had support from friends and OK Leisure, members of the New Life Church, Okehampton Baptist Church and Parklands Leisure Centre. She started on September 10 and will finish in early December.

To sponsor Jo's efforts and find out more, visit http://www.gilead.org.uk">www.gilead.org.uk or write to Gilead Foundations Charity, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, Devon. EX20 3AJ.