TWO caring Stourport youngsters will plunge into the sea dressed as Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus for a freezing New Year’s Day dip to raise money for charity.

Kate Sheldon and her friend, Katie Hodgetts, both 11, of Burlish Park Primary School, will be travelling to Wales to join hundreds of other fund-raisers for the 25th annual Saundersfoot Swim.

Kate’s mother, Louise Sheldon, has suffered from ME since 2000 and Kate wants to raise money for Young Carers, a Worcestershire charity that supports young people caring for disabled or ill family members.

Kate is also following in the footsteps of her brother, Tom, now 14, who the Shuttle/Times & News featured in 2006 when he and his best friend, Elliot Preece, took part in the event, dressed as Batman and Robin.

Mrs Sheldon, 40, of Menteith Close, said: “Kate really wants to take part after her brother did it a few years ago. She also really wants to give something back.

“I’m not very well and she knows that other children have to look after older relatives or parents.”

She explained that her illness could make her housebound and totally reliant on help from her children and husband, Chris.

She added: “Kate is a big help. She’s wonderful. Both Tom and Kate are. They help round the house and really support me.

“I am so proud of them. If it wasn’t for my children I don’t know how I would have managed. They have really kept me going.”

Kate said she was looking forward to the event and added: “Young Carers don’t get enough money and I really want to help them.

“They work really hard looking after their parents, big sister or relative. It is very good that they look after them.”

Mrs Sheldon explained that her daughter was also keen to help generate publicity for her chosen charity.

It provides activities, holidays and weekends away for young carers, as well as individual and family support.

Katie has decided to raise funds for Forest Dog Rescue and is also looking forward to taking part.

Mrs Sheldon said: “I think it is great that they are trying to raise money for other people and not just thinking of themselves.”

The Saundersfoot Swim has raised more than £200,000 for various charities. For more details, visit www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk/history To find out more about Young Carers, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/home/wcc-social-carers-info-youngcarers To sponsor Kate or Katie, contact Mrs Sheldon, on 01299 824900.