Former TV presenter Johnny Ball cheered on his brother-in-law, Paul Hicks and 150 young swimmers when they splashed out for the NSPCC.
Johnny, patron of the NSPCC 110 Challenge in Swindon, challenged Paul to support the fundraising appeal by swimming 110 lengths of the Swindon swimming pool in which he and his sister learned to swim as children. 57-year-old Paul from Swindon, a swimmer for England when he was aged 15, bravely took up the contest and on 22 September was joined by 150 members from Swindon ASC to complete the 2.3 mile challenge, raising £4,175 for the appeal.
Local sporting celebrity boxer Jamie Cox and Miss Swindon (Rebecca Cole) joined Johnny Ball, his wife and brother-in-law along with the young swimmers to launch the event on 21 July.
Pictured with Johnny and Paul are: Miss Swindon, Jamie Cox and some of our swimmers.
Paul said: "My sister Di & I were keen swimmers as children and have fond memories of being members of Swindon ASC swimming club, training in the Victorian baths on Milton Road. I know how dedicated these young swimmers are so I am delighted that they have agreed to help me raise money for the 110 challenge. I hope that local people will dig deep to support the appeal as it is so important that everyone does whatever they can to help ensure our local children and families have somewhere safe to turn to."
Paul and the other swimmers spent the summer holidays raising sponsorship money in aid of the NSPCC 110 Challenge. The sponsored swim was the last event in the calendar for the appeal which is nearing its target to raise £110,000 to support various projects to help vulnerable local children.
Seen here with Johnny and his wife Di are: Miss Swindon, Andrea Christmas (Swindon ASC), Sue Hooper, head of fundraising for the NSPCC in Swindon, and Jamie Cox.
Swimming club official Andrea Christmas said: "Paul and the children did incredibly well. All of the swimmers seemed to beat their previous bests and the little ones in the small pool at Milton Road splashed their way across with such determination it was a pleasure to watch." "Due to the number of children wanting to take part in the challenge, the sponsored swim was extended to our other evening sessions at Wootton Bassett on Friday and Highworth on Sunday."
Swindon ASC, which is the third oldest swim club in the country and celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, is a family orientated club catering for all levels of swimmer. As well as competing at many local and county galas it has a strong ‘learn-to-swim’ and ‘Young Volunteer’ programme.
The 110 Challenge, launched by the Swindon and North Wiltshire branch of the NSPCC, set out to raise £110,000 to mark the branch’s 110th anniversary year. The Challenge surpassed the target rasing £130,000 for the NSPCC. The NSPCC runs two family centres in Wiltshire, together with a family centre and therapeutic service base in Swindon.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the work of the NSPCC locally can email: or call 01823 346339.
Johnny and Di thanking the swimmers for their help.
