A CHANNEL crossing swim is being held to raise funds for a 22 month-old girl who lost her kidney to a tumour.

Burghfield resident Saffron Baylis-Mills was diagnosed with a 8cm cancerous tumour in her kidney in May.

After ten intensive days of tests, four rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and a line insertion, Saffron underwent surgery to have her kidney removed.

To the great delight of Saffron's family and friends, midway through July a histology found the tumour had reduced significantly and would require only one more short course of chemotherapy.

“I feel like the luckiest mummy in the world,” said Harriet Mills.

“I am so proud of her for being so, so brave and I am so glad that this nightmare is nearly over for all of us.

“She will of course be going back every three months for tests to make sure that it doesn't come back, but for now we can't quite believe it.”

The emotional and financial strain on Saffron's parents Harry and Harriet Mills has been significant however, leading the couple to cancel their honeymoon.

This led Charlie Hill, godfather of Saffron's sister Sianna, and his wife Leanne to organise a swimmathon to help the family as Mrs and Mr Mills take leave from their work as a swim teacher and plumber.

Around 100 swimmers will take to the pool at St Joseph's College on Saturday between 11am and 3pm with the intention of swimming a collective 20.6miles, the equivalent of a full English Channel crossing.

Mr Hill said: “ The money will go to the family to decide what they want to do, but I'm hoping we will raise enough so they can take the family away once everything is over.

“It has been a huge shock to all the family and friends.”

Those who want to help Saffron and her family are invited to take part in the swimmathon and donate via https://www.gofundme.com/swimforsaffy