A SPONSORED swim at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub has raised £1,500 for Warrington Disability Partnership.
Two swimmers as young as four were part of a 19-strong team who between them covered a staggering swimming distance of 15 miles during a four-hour splash for cash.
WDP volunteer Dave Molyneux swam an incredible 108 lengths with the aid of a snorkel and fins and Great Sankey’s Aden Walker – a multi-award-winning swimmer and Olympic Torch bearer – waded in with an impressive 64 lengths.
Making his Sponsored Swim debut was 10-year-old Joseph Atkinson, who attends St Benedict’s RC Primary School and contributed a super 70 lengths to the pool’s proceedings – raising £135.50 as a result.
Dave Thompson MBE DL, WDP’s Founder and Chair, drew upon previous experience and sheer grit and determination to succeed in meeting his remarkable target of 64 lengths. Dave was joined by his son Gavin; daughter Emma; daughter-in-law Caroline; son-in-law Tommy; grandson Jamie and granddaughters Ellie and Chloe. Dave’s wife Pam stayed poolside as a counter.
Assembled spectators and other members of Dave’s family cheered him on as he pulled his 6’7” frame through the water with the use of only one arm and just a webbed glove and armband for support.
Councillor Peter Carey, Mayor of Warrington, was in attendance to lend vocal support and to present certificates and medals to the tired, proud swimmers.
Janis Williams, WDP’s Community Engagement and Fundraising Coordinator, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you and well done to all the swimmers who took part this year; we couldn’t have raised the amount of money we did without them.
“I would also like to thank all the trustees and volunteers who helped us to deliver such an enjoyable event and to all the spectators who turned up on the day to support us.
“Finally I would like to thank Peter Carey, our Mayor, for being so generous with his time and for his continued support of our fundraising efforts.”
Pictured: Peter Carey, Mayor of Warrington, stands proudly alongside some of the swimmers who took part in WDP’s annual Sponsored Swim.
Sponsored swim raises £1,500
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
