FUNDRAISING efforts to help a woman receive urgent medical treatment in the US have received a £300 boost.

When Peter Corey heard of the plight of Ann Teasdale, he was determined to help.

Mrs Teasdale, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, had to have a leg amputated after contracting a rare condition.

Now the disease has spread to her other leg, which will also have to be removed unless family and friends can raise £20,000 to send her to Texas for specialist treatment.

Mr Corey, a user of the Mind services in the town, decided to do a sponsored swim. He trained at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre and completed the swim there yesterday. The facilities were provided free by Sedgefield Borough Council.

Fundraiser Bill Blenkinsopp said: "I think it's wonderful that someone who's had his own problems in the past can come on board to help Ann."

Mr Corey had expected to take an hour to complete the 50-length challenge he had set himself, but he had trained so hard that it took only 40 minutes.

Fundraising for Ann continues tomorrow with a sponsored walk around the Great Aycliffe Way, organised by Enid Paylor.

Mrs Teasdale will be at the start of the walk, which sets off at 2pm, in Stephenson Way.

Anyone who wants to help the efforts can contact Mr Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.