Young MGA Student Nears Finish Line of Inspiring Five-Mile Charity Swim

An eight-year-old Michelle Gauci Academy student is just 10 lengths away from completing an incredible five-mile swimming challenge in memory of her Great Nanny, while raising money for Brain Tumour Research.

Isla first began her fundraising challenge in August with the goal of swimming two miles. After completing an impressive 47 lengths in just a couple of days, she decided to set herself an even bigger challenge, increasing her target to an incredible five miles, equivalent to 322 lengths of a 25-metre swimming pool.

Since then, Isla has been steadily working towards her goal throughout the summer, fitting in swims whenever she could. Despite taking a short break after becoming unwell, she returned to the pool determined to keep going, with every length bringing her closer to the finish line.

Sadly, during the challenge, Isla's Great Nanny, Margaret, passed away following her battle with glioblastoma. What began as a challenge to make her proud has now become a tribute in her memory, making every length Isla swims even more meaningful.

What started with a fundraising target of £500 has already surpassed all expectations. Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and supporters, Isla has raised an incredible £1,860 for Brain Tumour Research, with donations continuing to come in ahead of her final swim this weekend.

Michelle Gauci, founder of Michelle Gauci Academy, said:

"We're all incredibly proud of Isla. Seeing one of our students show such kindness, determination and compassion at such a young age is truly inspiring. She has shown amazing resilience throughout this challenge, and we know everyone at MGA will be cheering her on as she completes those final lengths this weekend"

Brain Tumour Research is the leading voice of the brain tumour community, working to fund research into all types of brain tumours while campaigning for increased national investment into finding a cure. Isla's fundraising challenge has helped raise vital funds to support that work while honouring the memory of someone who meant so much to her.

With just 10 lengths remaining, everyone at Michelle Gauci Academy wishes Isla the very best of luck as she completes this incredible achievement. We know she'll make her Great Nanny, her family and the entire MGA community incredibly proud.

If you would like to support Isla's fundraising challenge before she completes her final lengths, you can visit her fundraising page here and help her make an already remarkable achievement even more special.