Lifeguard from Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, in Stowmarket, takes on charity swim in memory of friend Benoit

A lifeguard from Stowmarket has raised hundreds of pounds for charity, swimming in memory of his friend and his nan.

Adam MacDonald, 20, fund-raised for Cancer Research and Marie Curie after his own family was affected by cancer.

Though his friend Benoit did not have cancer, Adam told him about the swim shortly before his death and thought of him as he swam.

Adam swam his 200 lengths in two hours and 15 minutes at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, where he has enjoyed working for the last two years.

The lifeguard wanted to raise money for cancer charities after his dad, Ali, who is now well, was diagnosed with kidney cancer aged 41.

“I was eight at the time, it was really tough for everyone,” said Adam.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for cancer charities.”

Describing the swim as fun, difficult and emotional Adam said: “Dad came to watch me and was really proud.”

Adam also swam in memory of his nan who died after becoming ill with cancer.

He was cheered on by family, friends and members of Benoit’s family.

He raised a total of £679 from the swim, more than five times over his target of one hundred pounds.