KIND-hearted teenage triplets took the plunge to help raise cash to buy their paralysed cousin a new wheelchair.

Thirteen-year-olds Catherine, Annamarie and Suzanne Davin went in at the deep end in their fund-raising quest.

The Bury trio swam 100 lengths each at the LA Fitness Centre in Bury on Sunday to raise around £1,000. This money will go towards the £2,500 cost of a new wheelchair for their 19-year-old cousin, Gary Dawson.

Gary was at the poolside cheering on the girls as they undertook their marathon swim. Gary fractured his spinal bone and cord, leaving him a paraplegic, in a motorcycle accident in May.

The girls' mother, Mrs Elaine Davin, of Gore Close, Bury, said: "The girls have been profoundly affected by Gary's accident, as have all his family and friends".

A proud Elaine added: "On their last length, they all did the butterfly stroke to rapturous applause from Gary, family and friends, who gathered by the poolside to congratulate the girls on completing their 100 lengths each.

"They were shattered but well pleased with themselves and enjoyed a chippie tea afterwards."

She is delighted with the support Gary is getting to hopefully enable him to buy his new wheelchair.

"It's brilliant how many people care and how many have taken Gary to heart. It's quite humbling," she said.

Her daughters hit the headlines in 1990 when they became Bury's first-ever IVF triplets.

Anyone who would like to donate to the appeal can contact the Davin family on 797 3029.