A grandfather and grandson team raised more than �4,000 for people suffering from cancer after taking part in a swimathon.

Ralph Knight, 74, and his grandson Alexander Mead, eight, swam 5km on Saturday at Harrow Lodge Sports Centre, Hornchurch, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Ralph’s wife, Maureen, said: “What they did was wonderful and we were all really thrilled because we didn’t expect them to raise so much.”

The Swimathon Weekend, saw thousands of swimmers from across the country take part for charity.

Ralph, of Westlands Avenue, Hornchurch, clocked up 96 lengths, while Alexander, of Rockchase Gardens, Hornchurch, swam 54.

Maureen said: “They both enjoy swimming and it is so good that they can do something together and raise so much for charity.”

The swimathon originally started in 1986 and since then more than half a million swimmers have taken part, raising up to �36million for charity.

Maureen said: “We know someone that has been cared for by the charity and they have made a massive difference to their lives.

“They are both really pleased with the amount that they have raised.”