Frances Balmer is fundraising for Integrated Neurological Services (INS)

Frances's page

Swimming the Hellespont

on 30/08/2009

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Team members:

Frances Balmer

Raising money for

Integrated Neurological Services (INS)

Charity Registration No. 1107273

INS provides long-term rehabilitation and support to people with deteriorating neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis or who have suffered a Stroke. The aim is to encourage self-help and enable people to maintain their independence and have an optimum quality of life. Family carers are also supported.

Page owner

Frances Balmer

RSS

Raised so far: £5,860.00

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My story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 30th August I took part in an organised swim across the Hellespont which is the 4 1/2 kilometre strait between Europe and Asia. It was famously swum in Greek mythology by Leander on his nightly visit to his lover Hero and also by the poet Byron who claimed it was the ahievement in his life of which he was the most proud.

It was the hardest thing I ever did, the waves were very rough and the current very strong but I managed to do it in one hour twenty nine minutes and thirty five seconds and was very surprised to find I came top in my age group!

I was swimming to raise funds for INS which is a Kew based charity which helps people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and Stroke. They provide invaluable ongoing rehabilitation through therapy and education, together with practical self help techniques and solutions. I do hope you will think this is a worth while charity and give generously.

Due to the enormous generosity of one of my dear friends, the Calleva Foundation offered to double all the money I raise up to a total of £2000 which was the most enormous incentive to me.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

	Well done. Very brave. Did you see any sharks? Donation by Julie Mellor 14/09/09	£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid
	Well done on your "beast of a funk" - really terrific effort and you're much admired. Sorry this didn't come through first time round. Donation by judith talbot 12/09/09	£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid
	We knew you were neighbour to be proud of, who was worth her weight in gold - well done on a magnificent achievement! Donation by The Daltry family 10/09/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Well done Mrs B! Donation by Edward Blacker 08/09/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Congratulations! Well swum! xx Donation by Eleanor Sanderson 08/09/09	£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
	Fantastic Frances, well done. Next stop The English Channel or the Pam Barton... your choice Donation by Colin Aldridge 07/09/09	£45.00 + £12.69 Gift Aid
	Well done, rather you than me!!!! Donation by Sarah Ensor 07/09/09	£80.00 + £22.56 Gift Aid
	You are a real star - and this is the other half of what we promised. Donation by Liz and Jeff 05/09/09	£250.00 + £70.51 Gift Aid
	Congratulations Frances on your successful swim ! Donation by Robin Belcham 02/09/09	£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid
	You have done so well - I am very impressed and to be fastest in your group - awesome! Donation by CELIA JOHNSON 02/09/09	£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
	Well done Frances hope it all goes well, brave girl xx Barbara Donation by barbara ann fitzpatrick 01/09/09	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	Wow Frances and I thought I was the brave sister! Donation by Laura Stephenson 01/09/09	£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
	Can't wait to hear how it went! Donation by Ash 01/09/09	£100.00
	Hope it went well yesterday Frances. Let's know all the details Donation by Helen Belcham 31/08/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Best of luck! Donation by Diana Campbell 27/08/09	£20.00
	Good luck. Swim well! Donation by Joyce W 25/08/09	£20.00
	Donation by Anne Gill 25/08/09	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	It's a great cause - good luck. Donation by Pat and Jill Kiernan 24/08/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	With great admiration - expecting an outburst of inspired Byron-esque poetry on arrival in Asia! Wish we could be there to hold the towel for you. Donation by Daniel 23/08/09	£100.00
	Stay afloat! Only one week to go - very best of luck and will think you you on the 30th. Donation by Mimi Waterbury 23/08/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Watch out for turkish breaststrokers Donation by richard 23/08/09
	You're very brave. Swim well. Donation by Karen and David 21/08/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Good luck Mrs B! Donation by Sam Blake 21/08/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Best of luck! Donation by Christine Haynes 20/08/09	£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
	Good luck ! And remember, even if they have to fish you out everybody will still admire you for trying ! Donation by Gaby 19/08/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	We are so impressed - we'll be shouting encouragement from the sofa... Donation by Harry + Sarah 19/08/09	£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
	Just watch out for the jelly fish! Good luck Donation by Joyce H 18/08/09	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	Wow Frances, what an adventure! We are full of admiration and will be rooting for you. Love from Richard and Chid Donation by Richard Waller 18/08/09	£50.00
	Frances, this tops up my origional contribution. Next stop the 2012 Olympics. Donation by Chris Williams 16/08/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	What a fantastic thing to do - well done! Good luck on the day: we'll be rooting for you. Donation by Teresa and Michael 15/08/09	£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

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* Total raised online:	£3,365.00
Offline donations:	£2,495.00
Gift Aid plus supplement:	£806.67

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Find out how much it is and what we do for it.