CHILDREN’S swimming school Puddle Ducks has raised almost £1,500 for charity in support of the Holmes Chapel schoolgirls affected by May’s Manchester Arena attack.

The group hosts a charity event each year and split its £1,489.44 fund for 2017 between the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital – which treated Freya Lewis – and Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School’s Garden of Memories, dedicated to Nell Jones.

Each year the Puddle Ducks children learn water safety and survival while dressed in their favourite pyjamas, and has donated more than £5,000 over the past five years.

Rachel Bateson from Puddle Ducks said: “We’re so proud of all the children, past and present, who have taken part in our charity pyjama event.

“They all came eager to learn and dressed head to toe in their pyjamas. Even after five years, this is still the highlight of our year.

“Here at Puddle Ducks we want every child to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully. That’s why we make sure our classes are fun and sociable for both parents and children.

“Our swimming programmes also ensure that children are taught vital safety and survival skills, which could save their lives should they ever find themselves in danger in the water.”

The paediatric intensive care unit at RMCH provides life-saving treatment for children and was a key centre for the treatment and rehabilitation of children caught up in the bombing in May.

HCCS’s Garden of Memories has been designed as a legacy project by staff and students, and will offer a place for the wider community to reflect on lost loved ones.

nFor more information on Puddle Ducks, call 01477 410080 or visit puddleducks.com/midcheshire