Raised: 184%
Target: £2,500.00
Raised so far: £4,605.74
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My story

 

I'm thrilled to say that I managed the swim in 76 minutes, so all the planning and training was worthwhile.  It was an amazing experience, with some real highs and lows.  The text below (written before the event) gives a bit more information about it, and why I undertook it.

I'd also like to use this page to give particular thanks to NW Brown Financial Services, who became my primary sponsor during the fundraising, and to the Rotary Clubs of Cambridge and Rutherford Cambridge for their collective support.

The Hellespont is the crossroads from Europe to Asia, and arguably the most iconic swim in the world.  For one day a year, the Turkish Government closes it to shipping for one and a half hours, and hundreds take part in a race across a distance of 4.5 km, following in the footsteps of Leander and Byron.

This year I have secured a place, and hope to raise as much money as possible to support water projects in the developing world.  For me, the swim is no easy undertaking, as I'll be doing breaststroke and it will be a real challenge to complete it in time (and if you don't, I believe the Turkish Lifeguards pick you out of the water!). 

All of us take water totally for granted - but imagine waking up thirsty in the night with nothing to drink, or trudging miles in the hot sun to collect a bucket of muddy water that might make you ill rather than better.  Millions of people have to do this every day, many of them young children, and Christian Aid water projects can change their lives, giving them improved health and opening up life chances by freeing their time for education.

I'm taking on this challenge in memory of my father, a kind and generous man who always went the extra mile to help others.  I hope he would have approved!

Do please consider sponsoring me. I promise that even if I don't finish in the time I wll have done my very best, and will be encouraged to keep going by thinking of everyone who has shown such support.

SINCE STARTING THIS PAGE I HAVE HAD SOME BRILLIANT NEWS - CHRISTIAN AID HAS AN ARRANGEMENT THAT IF I REACH THE TARGET EVERY £1 RAISED FOR THIS WATER PROJECT WILL BE MATCHED BY £3 FROM THE EU!  SO YOUR DONATIONS WILL WORK MUCH HARDER!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Christian Aid gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

"Awesome" achievement Donation by Mary Munro 26/09/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Congratulations on a marvellous achievement. Donation by Anthony Russell 11/09/08  

£100.00

Fantastic achievement. Well done. old friend! Donation by Judi 07/09/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Blimey! Donation by Adam 02/09/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done Jenny Donation by Jen 02/09/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done Donation by Keith Bennett 02/09/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done! I'm in absolute awe! Donation by Suzy Howes 02/09/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done Jenny! Donation by Nicki Hayes 02/09/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

congratulations Donation by Steve 02/09/08  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Best of luck Jenny - come back soon for a lido dip! Donation by Wendy Rainbow 29/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck - look forward to hearing all about it Donation by Ila Chandavarkar 27/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Mazal Tov and good luck! Donation by Ed and Trisha Kessler 27/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

An amazing undertaking. Good luck Donation by Barbara Harwrad 26/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Fantastic, Jenny. Keep safe and enjoy it. Donation by Doreen Finneron 26/08/08  

£15.00

After all the training.....Enjoy the moment you complete the swim. Good luck, Steven Donation by Steven Sutton 26/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I feel quite breathless just thinking about it! Proud to know you. All the best. Donation by Marcia 26/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck... and well done! Donation by Martyn Barr 26/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Inspiring! Donation by Matthew Bullock 25/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck - sure your hard work in the pool will pay off Donation by Kate Da Costa 22/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Are you in training for the open water swimming event 2012? Good luck. Donation by Lesley 22/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Jenny - I'm in awe! Well done in advance. Donation by Tom Adams 22/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I am aware of just how important access to safe clean water is from my time spent working in Palestine (where Christian Aid also do fantastic work). Donation by David Jones 22/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Gosh! I am full of admiration. And what an excellent cause. Donation by Anne Campbell 22/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

All the best - I'm sure you'll complete it in time Donation by Paul Rodgers 22/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

All my very best wishes are with you Jenny! I hope it goes as well as possible for you. Donation by Bettina Ciupa 22/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Mark Argent 21/08/08  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Bonkers, brave but good on you: very well worth doing. The very best of luck! Donation by Tim Jones 21/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Great idea and good luck Donation by Dennis Camilleri 21/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I'm right behind you - getting a tow probably! All the very best of luck Donation by Gordon Ridgeon 21/08/08  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Still can't get Hero & Leander out of my mind. Watch out - remember what Marlowe said: Hero the fair, Whom young Apollo courted for her hair .. Donation by David Rayner 21/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £2,190.00
  Offline donations: £2,415.74
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £516.15

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