Many people make new year's resolutions such as learning a new skill, or getting fitter.

Eastern Daily Press: Caitlin Thomson, 12, is hoping to swim 2017 lengths in 2017 to raise money for EACH. Photo: ArchantCaitlin Thomson, 12, is hoping to swim 2017 lengths in 2017 to raise money for EACH. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

But one Norwich youngster is aiming to make her mark on 2017 in a very fitting way - by swimming 2017 lengths for charity.

Caitlin Thomson, 12, from Taverham will be taking on the challenge to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), with a goal of raising £2,017 before the year is out.

Caitlin, who isn't part of a swimming club but has enjoyed the hobby all her life, said: 'EACH is in my area and it's for children my age, I looked on the website and it said they need £16,000 a day.'

The Taverham High School pupil got started at Virgin Active, in Drayton High Road, on Wednesday and ticked 60 lengths off her list.

By the time she hits 2017 lengths, she will have swam around 50km.

She said the first 60 were 'good, but difficult.

'I really like being in the water,' she added.

Caitlin aims to do as many of her swims as she can outdoors, and has had plenty of practice swimming in rivers and lakes with mother Naomi.

Already Caitlin, who also enjoys running and listening to music, has had lots of support and raised more than £200. She has also written to local companies and celebrities asking them to chip in.

Emma Taylor, community fundraiser for EACH, said: 'What Caitlin is doing is fantastic, her support is very welcome and to swim that amount of lengths is impressive.'

• To follow Caitlin's progress search Swim2017 on Facebook or visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/CaitlinSwim2017 to donate.

EACH nook appeal

EACH provides vital services caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supporting their families. The nook appeal is their campaign to raise the money to transform children's palliative care, including building a new hospice called the nook.

It was launched two years ago to raise £10m to transform children's palliative service, including the new purpose-built facility in a five-acre woodland site at Framingham Earl.

It will replace the Quidenham hospice, which has been an incredible home-from-home for EACH for almost 25 years.

The charity has outgrown the current building and needs the new building to meet the increased demand for services and the changing and more complex needs of the children and young people they care for.

To find out more about the appeal visit: www.each.org.uk/the-nook or ring 01953 666767 or email: norfolk@each.org.uk.

Twitter: @EACH_norfolk #thenookappeal/Facebook: thenookappeal.