Football star starts charity swim

Anya was diagnosed by doctors in Holland and the United States

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has started charity swimmers raising funds for a four-year-old girl with a rare genetic brain disease.

Anya Potter has White Vanishing Matter disease - a form of the terminal disorder leukodystrophy.

Her parents, Craig and Kerry, of Hexham, have been told by doctors that she has a very short life expectancy.

Up to 15 people are taking part in the half-marathon swim at West Outer Pool in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The youngster is hoping to complete one-length and she will be cheered on by the England under-21 player.

It is unbelievably frustrating that there is currently no treatment or cure available Father Craig

Speaking before the event, Mr Taylor said: "When I first heard about Anya's condition, and was asked to help the fundraising campaign for her, I didn't hesitate in saying yes.

"She is clearly an incredibly brave little girl."

Mr Potter said his daughter was not expected to live past her teenage years and that she would gradually lose the ability to co-ordinate the use of her muscles.

He said: "When we found out about Anya, it was horrific.

"The disease breaks the body down and it is heartbreaking what Anya is going through and what she will go through.

"It is unbelievably frustrating that there is currently no treatment or cure available."

Funds raised by the sponsored swim will be added to the £20,000 already collected by the Potter family for research into the disease.

Some of the cash will also pay for family treats for Anya and her one-year-old sister, Taylor.

The event is being backed by Northumbrian Water.