YOUNGSTERS took part in a sponsored swim last weekend, in memory of a two-year-old boy from Hitchin who tragically died after falling in a swimming pool.

Sixty youngsters who normally attend swimming lessons at Odyssey Fitness Centre in Knebworth, took to the pool in memory of Oliver Else from Hitchin, who died just three weeks before his third birthday in July last year after falling into the private pool in Northwood, London.

Oliver’s six-year-old brother Tomas also took part.

The money raised will go to Addenbrooke’s Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Cambridge, where Oliver was cared for before he passed away.

“Nothing will ever bring Oliver back or get us over his loss, but it was nice to do this in his memory,” said Oliver’s mum, Lorna.

“Although it’s such a sad case, it’s heartening to see everybody come together to make something good out of a bad situation.

“Clearly our lovely, smiley little boy touched a lot of people during his short life and he has left a huge legacy. We miss him every day and we always will.

“Everyone was really enthusiastic, really motivated. The children were fantastic and I was really moved by everyone’s effort.

“Tomas took part, and swam 26 lengths. He said he wanted to make Oliver proud of him, and when he had finished he asked me if he would have done.”

Lorna has already raised �20,000 with the help of Kingshott School and Highbury Lodge Nursery, both in Hitchin.

The money raised will be used to buy equipment for the hospital, including a �12,500 resuscitation unit, and a �4,000 TRAM CO2 monitor.

To donate money, visit www.justgiving.com/Oliver-Else