Stacey Rivett who is gearing up for her marathon swim of 22 miles in one day at the Sportspark, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of her friend Perrie. Picture: Denise Bradley

A Sprowston swimmer has challenged herself to swim 22 miles in 12 hours – the distance between Norwich and Great Yarmouth – in memory of a family friend who died of cancer last year.

Stacey Rivett, 24, swam professionally up until eight years ago before she gave up her place in the Norwich swimming group Penguins.

But after the death of 21-year-old Perrie Greaves in November last year after his long battle with cancer, Miss Rivett, who works at Startrite Shoes on Broadland business park, has decided to plunge back in to the pool and raise £500 for Teenage Cancer Trust in his memory.

Perrie, who was just a teenager when he was diagnosed with cancer, was friends from Sprowston High School with Miss Rivett’s younger brother Michael as well as their parents being friends.

Miss Rivett said her friends and family think she’s “crazy” with the distance she is planning to swim, but that they are all very supportive of her and the cause.

So far she has raised £250, and says she is building towards the £500 target.

The UEA Sportspark have donated a lane for Miss Rivett’s swim, as well as the Swimshop providing some equipment.

She said: “I have been training, building it up. This will be both a physical and mental challenge, but all for a great cause.”

To donate to Stacey visit www.justgiving.com/stacey-rivett