A BARROW schoolboy has completed a mammoth sponsored swim for his age, collecting cash to renovate a children's hospital ward.

Jayden Thomson, a six-year-old pupil at Dane Ghyll Primary School, swam more than 600 metres in the DW Fitness pool at the weekend.

By completing the challenge, he has raised almost £400 for Furness General Hospital's children's play and waiting area, with the money planned to go towards interactive activities to distract kids from painful procedures.

Jayden's mother and FGH paediatric nurse, Emma Thomson, said: "I'm so proud of Jayden and what he has achieved. He’s loved every minute of it."

The six-year-old had received some excellent coaching from local swimmer and British Universities' Nationals swimming champion, Joe Ellwood.

Paula Richardson, head of charity and fundraising at Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity, thanked Jayden for taking on the challenge.

She said: "Jayden is an inspirational little boy and has taken it upon himself to raise money for Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity, which is just fantastic.

"We are hugely thankful to Jayden for all his great efforts. What a star!"

Lyndsey Pratt, paediatric clinical leader and trainee advanced nurse practitioner in A&E at FGH said: "For the last few months, our little friend Jayden has been in training to swim 20 lengths to raise money to help us renovate our pediatric waiting area.

"Jayden actually managed to swim ten extra lengths more than his original target. We all think Jayden is a remarkable little chap."

Jayden is aiming to reach £500 in sponsorship and money can still be donated HERE .