A FORMER Corporal in Kidlington said he is 'humbled' by a young lifeguard who has decided to take on a charity swimming challenge in memory of his late wife.

In a touching gesture across the generations Dennam Carpenter, will swim 85 lengths of Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre for Basil May's wife Pauline.

The 20-year-old is pushing his endurance to the limit as part of Swimathon 2017, a national day of fundraising swims in aid of Marie Curie.

Mr May, 87, met his wife of 65 years at the former Arberfield army barracks in Berkshire, where she was working as a cook and he an RAF instructor.

He said: "We loved going on holidays together; we went every year we were married, until the final two years when her health worsened."

Mrs May was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, initially in her right lung before it spread throughout her body.

In her final six days of life she received specialist care from Marie Curie nurses, who offer expert hands-on and emotional support to people with terminal illnesses.

Mr May said: "We lived in our house for most of our lives, so for Pauline to pass away at home was very important.

"I will never forget the care and attention that the nurses gave to my wife and I. They helped me get through the worst part of my life."

From Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9 hundreds of swimmers will take to the waters for Marie Curie at the leisure centre in Gosford Road, where Mr May is a member.

Mr Carpenter, who had never met Mr May before, was asked to participate by colleagues and will dedicate his swim to Pauline May to make it 'even more special'.

He said: "I have a passion for swimming and am happiest in the water. I was really excited and accepted the challenge immediately.

"I've had a shoulder injury and I've had to focus on re-strengthening my shoulder so have done a lot of training in the gym to help that."

The former Gosford Hill Secondary School pupil is hoping to raise £300 for Marie Curie to help other families across the UK make the most of the time they have together.

Mr May said: "I feel honoured and humbled. It's very touching Dennam is taking on such a long swim in memory of my life. He is a truly remarkable young lad."

A total of 600 pools up and down the country are taking part in the Swimathon as the event celebrates its 30th year.

Participants can take on 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k distances to raise funds for Marie Curie, which last year 50,000 people affected by terminal illness across the UK.

For more information on the event or to sign up visit swimathon.org or to support Mr Carpenter with a donation visit tinyurl.com/kyck4f7