A CHARITY swimathon was held on Saturday, June 17, to raise money for a young girl who hasn’t had the easiest start in life.

Leya Raper, aka ‘Princess Leya’, from Bude, was born with Bilateral Vocal Cords, which have since led to stenosis and tracheomalacia.

She has had to undergo laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery, performed at Bristol Hospital to widen the windpipe and make breathing and speaking easier.

Hayley Keene, from Bay View Inn, said she loved presenting Leya with the money raised so far this year.

Along with the swim sponsorship, donations at a recent Joey the Lips concert and the ‘Jar on the Bar’ raised a total of £1,959.

Hayley said the Bay View Inn added an extra £41 to bring the total up to £2,000.

She added: “This will buy a Sats machine, a nebuliser and we are hopeful there will be some money left, for them to have a well deserved little break away as a family. We have made friends for life with this wonderful little family.”

A Facebook page called ‘Leya’s Journey’ was set up by the family to document her life. To see more visit www.facebook.com/Leyasjourney