AN epilepsy sufferer has praised staff at Darlington's Dolphin Centre for helping her when she had a seizure during a sponsored swim.

Katherine McLeod was attempting to swim a mile to raise money for Macmillan Nurses when she had the fit.

"I had swam 20 lengths when it happened," she said. "Apparently my head went under the water. I can't remember it, but the staff were fantastic and got me to the side of the pool."

Mrs McLeod, a volunteer for Darlington Epilepsy Support, returned to the pool two days later and completed 64 lengths, raising £65 for charity.

She said lots of worried epilepsy sufferers had contacted her since the seizure.

"I want to get over to people that they can still go swimming. The best thing to do if you go swimming is to let poolside staff know that you have epilepsy," she said.

For details call Mrs McLeod on (01325) 255662