AFTER her grandmother died from complications linked to diabetes, a Benfleet woman is taking a colourful approach to raising funds in her memory.

Laura Adair, 23, wants to fill her year with as many “colour” events as possible and has already signed up to three.

On Sunday, she begins Diabetes UK’s Swim22, in which participants swim the 22-mile equivalent of the English Channel, in their local pool.

Laura, of London Road, will be taking part with her newly dyed green hair and multi-coloured swimsuit.

She said: “Not long ago my nan was taken from us far too early due to diabetes-related complications, so I have started a personal journey to get fitter and healthier.

“I am combining this with raising money along the way in honour of my nan and my 16-year-old nephew, who has type 1 diabetes.

“I would love there to be a cure in his lifetime.”

Swim22 lasts three months, until May 22, with participants covering the designated distance at their own pace.

Laura also aims to join in the ever-growing number of colour runs, in which participants line up at the start wearing all white, before being covered in colourful powder at each kilometre-marker in their run.

She said: “I have started a 5k training plan and will be taking part in as many five or 10k colour runs this year to raise money for Diabetes UK.”

She will also take part in the Nuclear Rush 6k obstacle course in May, with more events added to her busy schedule as the year goes on.

Teresa Strange, Diabetes UK eastern regional fundraiser, said: “We are delighted Laura is taking on these challenges for us and she will certainly get noticed with her green hair.

“It’s wonderful she is both fundraising in her nan’s memory and improving her health and fitness at the same time.”

To sponsor Laura and follow her progress through her year of coloured fundraising visit www.justgiving.com/Lauragets coloured