Geraldine McKeag, who is registered severely sight impaired, organised a sponsored sing and swim at Culford School's pool on Monday, to raise more than £1,000 for West Suffolk Voluntary Association for the Blind.

The event saw many of the youngsters swim laps to raise extra cash – with 12 of the children swimming more than a mile in the pool.

Ms McKeag, who lost her peripheral vision after being diagnosed with glaucoma, said she wanted to do something to thank the organisation.

"When I was first diagnosed and later when I was told I couldn't drive, it was a big thing," she said. "The association was very helpful to me when I first found out and I wanted to give something back.

The former nurse, who lives on the Moreton Hall estate, in Bury St Edmunds, had to give up her job three years ago after her condition, which causes gradual sight loss, meant she could no longer drive.

But with encouragement, the 47-year-old re-trained as a swimming instructor and now teaches classes on Mondays at Moreton Hall Health Club, alongside Julie Bloomfield.

"I can teach on a one-to-one basis or with another swimming teacher or a lifeguard on the poolside," she said.

Culford School allowed the group to use the pool free for the morning.

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