Young Accrington swim star does it for her dad (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Young Accrington swim star does it for her dad

2:30pm Sunday 7th November 2010 in Sport By Emma Cruces, Reporter

POOLING RESOURCES: Karmen in action

A BRAVE young swimmer has made the British Championships despite mourning the death of her father.

Karmen Hammonds, from Accrington, makes her way to 5am practice sessions four mornings a week and also swims after school.

The 14-year-old’s family says the loss of her dad Mark this summer to cancer has made her more determined than ever to make him proud.

The teenager, from Ferngore, is now set to compete in British Championships after qualifying.

Karmen’s father Mark Hammonds, 48, died of asbestos-related lung cancer in June.

He had not told his daughter the condition was serious as he wanted her to carry on with her activities unaffected as long as she could.

As well as travelling to Manchester, Blackburn and Preston eight times a week for training sessions, Karmen also does voluntary work teaching four-year-olds to swim at Hyndburn Leisure Centre every Sunday.

Karmen, whose swimming activities cost £200 a month has been given a £1,000 grant to help realise her dreams by Fern-gore Residents’ Association.

Her mum Donna said the entire family was filled with pride at Karmen’s achievements and hope a sponsor will step forward to help with ongoing costs.

She said: “Just getting to this level is incredible but considering what has been happening this year, she has shown real strength.

"We’re incredibly proud of her and what she has achieved.

"Her dad would tell any-body who would listen how good she was and what she was going to achieve.

“He would spend hours waiting in the car park for her to finish practice sessions. He was incredibly proud.

“Losing him has made her more determined.

“Some of Karmen’s friends have sponsors and it would be amazing if she could get similar help.

“We are incredibly grateful to the residents’ association.”

Mark is thought to have been exposed to asbestos as a 17-year-old working in factories when the dangers were less well known.