A terminal cancer sufferer has inspired a regional daily reporter to take part in an icy Christmas Day charity swim in the sea.

Dorset Echo journalist Meghan Hindley, pictured below, will be among those to plunge into the waters of Weymouth harbour to raise funds for the Gill Harler Gynae Fund.

Meghan, 23, decided to take part in the swim after writing several stories on Gill, who runs the Fund which encourages women to be more aware of their bodies and the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Around 25pc of women do not take up their option for a smear test and fund highlights its necessity.

On her decision to undertake the Christmas swim, Meghan said: “I decided to do it because I’m working Christmas Day and covering it anyway.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise some money for a charity that benefits the local community.”

“It’s a cause close to my heart. I met Gill in November when she came to the Echo and I did a story about her campaign. It really touched me and she’s just a lovely person.

“I decided that while the national charities are really good I wanted to do something that would benefit this area locally.”

Meghan is hoping to raise £200 for the charity, and has set up a web page for people to donate.

She added: “I’m quite nervous. It is going to be cold. I want to raise a decent amount too. I’ve already gone for a test swim at Weymouth Beach and that went well.

“I have had support from all my family, friends and colleagues. It will be a great experience.”

Dorset Echo deputy editor Samantha Harman said: “Throughout the year we get to meet many brave people taking on challenges, overcoming the odds or giving up many hours of their time to help others.

“Let’s be honest, no one really wants to work Christmas Day, but not only did Meghan volunteer, she has also decided to take the plunge and give something back to the community we serve, which is full of good people like Gill.

“I’m sure she’ll do really well and hopefully raise a lot of money for a good cause.”