A keen swimmer from Earlsfield will swim 20km in three open water swimming challenges to raise money for a Wimbledon charity, and her friend Vera, 83.

Imogen Horn, 21, began volunteering for the charity after befriending an elderly lady on a canal bank two years ago. The medical student spends time with Vera as part of Wimbledon Guild's befriender program.

She said: “I was on a walk along a canal one day and I saw an older lady on the opposite bank – I’m not really sure why but I had an urge to wave to her.

“She waved back and I carried on but she still stood there. It was such a brief interaction but it really touched me for some reason.

“Then I couldn't stop thinking about how little effort we make to reach out to others who are not strictly relevant and central to our everyday lives. It made me think how many thousands of people there are out there, young and old, who are lonely and isolated.”

Imogen now spends two hours a week with Vera, and is urging others to come forward and join the befriending team.

She said: "I am paired with one of the most interesting, strong and kind-hearted women I have ever met. I have learnt a huge amount from her and also found a great friend.

“When you think about it, there are so many people in this position and I wish we could all do something about it and open our doors to let people in and likewise be welcomed in by others.

She completed the first of two 5k swims the Great London Swim at Docklands on July 1 and will take on the 8.3 km Long Reach Swim along the Thames near Oxford on August 20.

She will finish with the River Adur 5km swim near Brighton on August 26.

Emma Aldridge, Wimbledon Guild’s Head of Welfare, said: “As Imogen has found, these visits can not only make a huge difference to the lives of older people but also to our volunteers.

“We wouldn’t be able to fulfil our vision to improve the wellbeing of people in Merton without the help of our volunteers like Imogen and we are grateful to each and every one of them.”

Donations for Imogen can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/wimbledonguild