We are delighted to announce that at 12.44am Sunday 11th July, Rob walked onto a beach in France, completing our English Channel Swim. At No 1 leg, Rob started the challenge at 08.46am Saturday 10th July and 15 hours and 58 minutes later, it was finished!!
We have individually never completed anything as hard in our lives!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who has so very kindly sponsored us. It was those sponsorships and words of encouragement that kept each of us going when the challenge was as its toughest.
THANK YOU, Rache, Rob, Seamus, Colin & Sarah xxxx
Rache says "When the opportunity arose recently for me to achieve my personal ambition to swim the channel, I didn't hesitate. I realised it would give me the opportunity to raise money again for the Sussex Air Ambulance, in memory of Sarah's beautiful Lucy. I quickly pulled together some friends to come with me. I am extremely proud to be doing this with Sarah especially, and Rob, Colin and Seamus, who all have the same passion, drive and sense of adventure as me - and of course a sense of humour! My ambition wouldn't be a reality without them.
Sarah says "I am taking up the challenge of this swim to raise funds for the Sussex Air Ambulance in memory of my beautiful daughter Lucy who died in 2006. Although Lucy was only with us for a very short space of time she won over the hearts of many. We have already raised over £5,000 for the Sussex Air Ambulance in Lucy’s memory by running a half marathon in 2007. Thank you to all of you who are supporting us in this next challenge!
Rob says " I am swimming the channel for two reasons: Whilst I feel strongly that the Sussex Air Ambulance should not have to fund themselves through charitable donations but should be government funded in the same way road ambulances are; as this is not the case I want to help raise funds for the fantastic work that they do in serving our community every day of the year. I also have a personal reason of wanting to achieve something that I have long admired others for doing, and to push my love of swimming to new limits".
Seamus says "It has been a life long ambition of mine to swim the channel. To do it as part of the Billingshurst Channel Hoppers, in support of the Sussex Air Ambulance, makes it even more special. The work that the SAA do and the lives that they have touched is phenomenal. We are proud to support them, and the valued service they provide to our region. "
Colin says "To be honest its been a life long ambition of mine to spend July on a beach somewhere hot, preferably with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other... so when the opportunity arose to take part in this challenge I politely said no. But Rachel and the rest of the team are great motivators and having found out first hand exactly how important and potentially life saving the SAA service is in our region, I quickly changed my mind. I'm proud to be part of the team and will be even prouder when we reach our sponsorship target. Here's hoping for a scorching summer!!".
Our challenge will take place either on the 10th July 2010, or 24 hours either side, depending on the tides!
All we are asking is that you can dig deep to help us fulfill our commitment to the Sussex Air Ambulance charity of raising, and hopefully exceeding, the £10,000 fundraising target.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving-they'll never sell them 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 eligibile donation by a UK taxpayer. So, it's the most efficient way to donate, raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
We thank each and everyone of you in advance for your sponsorships and support.
Rachel, Colin, Sarah, Robert, & Seamus
