Seaham schoolboy completes swim challenge for Great North Air Ambulance

Elijah Wotton-Lidster, from Seaham, swam more than 14 miles to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) after his grandad, David O’Connor, fell from the top of a ladder onto a concrete floor back in 2013.

Although Elijah was not born at the time, David has since told him what happened and made him aware of the importance of raising money for charity.

Elijah’s mother, Gemma Wotton-Lidster, said: “He has spoken to Elijah many times about how the GNAAS landed a helicopter in a nearby field, kept him stable and administered life-saving care until he reached James Cook University Hospital, and, without them, he would not be alive today.

"Elijah is very close to his grandad and wanted to show his appreciation to GNAAS for saving his life so they could have all their time together.”

When he fell, David suffered a severe head injury and a smashed shoulder, and was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Initially, Elijah planned on swimming two miles a week for one month but in his first week, managed to swim 241 lengths – 112 over target.

By week two, his motivation was at a high and he swam 266 lengths, which is more than four miles.

Gemma said: “By the end of the challenge, Elijah had swam 924 lengths of a 25 metre swimming pool, which is a total of 14.3 miles, and over halfway when swimming the English Channel.

“He never once felt as though it was too much as he knew what a great cause he was raising money for, and had plenty of support from friends and family cheering him on.”

Elijah raised a total of £468 for GNAAS.

Gemma said: “After completing the challenge, Elijah was immensely proud of himself and surprised himself at what he can achieve when he is determined.

"He was very surprised by the amount he has raised, and extremely grateful to all those who have donated to such an amazing cause.”