A KIND-hearted army medic is to attempting a 12-hour sponsored swim to help provide treatment for a baby struck down with a deadly cancer.

Peter Williams, 23, of Crawshawbooth, is searching for support in an attempt to raise more than £2,000 for one-year-old Lilly MacGlashan from Dunstable.

The brave tot was born with a rare neuroblastoma tumour which has spread from her body to her brain.

Doctors say she is the only known neuroblastoma patient whose cancer has developed in such a way.

With normal chemotherapy no longer an option after repeated hospital sessions, Lilly's only chance of survival is pioneering treatment in New York - which the NHS is unable to fund.

Her family are trying to raise £300,000 needed to pay for her treatment.

Peter, a full-time medic in the British Army, is now hoping his efforts at Ramsbottom pool will inspire Valley people to dig deep.

He said: “I knew I wanted to do something for charity but I didn’t no which one so I did a bit of research on the web.

“When I read Lilly’s story I was really touched.

“She is only one years old and needs treatment that can not be offered in Britain because of the cutbacks.

“I have not met Lilly or her family yet as they are in America starting her treatment.

“So far the funds stands at £90,000 so there is still a long way to go.

“I hope that my contribution will help not only her treatment but in raising awareness for her in the North West.”

Peter, who is originally from North Wales, holds two gold medal in swimming events for the Welsh Army Cadet Force.

He will attempt to swim for 12 consecutive hours from 7.30pm on April 17 to 7.30am on April 18.

He estimates he will complete more than 2,500 lengths the equivalent to 62,500m.

To make a donation log on to www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Lilly or head down to Ramsbottom pool.