An Addingham woman battling her way back to recovery from a spinal stroke is preparing for her sponsored swim on Friday in aid of a hospital unit.

Fiona Mann, who took ill last summer, plans to swim a mile – or 64 lengths of a pool – to raise money for Ward Five at Airedale General Hospital, which specialises in treating stroke patients.

Mrs Mann was treated first at Leeds General Infirmary, and later at Airedale Hospital, after she was left paralysed from the waist down.

She is now making a recovery, and wanted to help the hospital raise money for a new bath chair on the ward.

Mrs Mann also plans to be at the Addingham Civic Society Spring Fair, at Addingham Memorial Hall, Main Street, on Saturday.

Visit justgiving.com/Fiona-Mann to make a donation.