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.

Full of admiration for you and wonderful that you have such a 'can do' attitude and are so giving. Donation by Caroline Lloyd-Evans 21/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Jenny, this is an amzing thing to do. You're an inspiration ! Donation by Sue Appleby 21/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Rather you than me! Good luck. Donation by John Short and Debbie Lowther 21/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck Jenny. Mind you it doesn't sound too bad being picked up a lifeguard!! Donation by Sue Houlder 21/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

You can do it, Jenny! Go, girl! Donation by Anne Littlefair 19/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

the best of luck - try not to swallow too much sea! Donation by Ruth Pugh 19/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done Jenny - best of luck! Donation by Peter Studdert 19/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

It is an awesome thing you are doing Donation by Beryl 19/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Great effort. Don't catch cold! Donation by Paul & Sue Hills 19/08/08  

£25.00

Good luck! Donation by Andrew Moore 19/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good skill and I will be thinking of you Donation by Valerie Berkson 19/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

It was bad enough going to the well at the bottom of the garden Donation by Michael Bond 19/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I'm full of admiration - just don't do a Byron! Luck and love. (and if you need one, I hope the Turkish lifeguard ... well anyway, you won't need one Donation by Heather Pencavel 19/08/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Remember that Hero and Leander are not good role models for swimmers Donation by Stephen Copson 19/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck! Well Done You!!! Donation by Diana Fransen 18/08/08  

£5.00

Good luck Jenny Donation by Heather Farley 18/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

We'll be thinking of you! Well done - and an excellent cause! Donation by Sue & David Bush 18/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good for you Jenny, all the best. I am worried about what happens after 1.5 hours but I am sure you will get in before the deadline as usual! Donation by Rachel Holdsworth 18/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck - you're so brave! Donation by Hazel Smith 18/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Barry Gibbs 18/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

what an inspiration to us all- but please wear suitable clothes- jelly fish protection, not a cover-up for those Turkish lifeguards! Donation by margaret somner 18/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck and best wishes Donation by Bill Kirkman 16/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Jenny ,swim well and safe Donation by Renee Dearden 16/08/08  

£10.00

Good luck with the swim, and we look forward to hearing all about it! Donation by Kate and John Grant 16/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

I can hardly swin a width so I don't envy you! Best of luck! Donation by John Dixon 15/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Full of admiration and it's a fantastic cause! Good luck. Donation by Judith Hartley 15/08/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good Luck Jenny! Is that 4.5km there AND 4.5km back too or do they give you a lift home? Best wishes, Kev. Donation by Kevin Law 14/08/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Jenny - full of admiration. My morning pool mile pales into insignificance. Well done in advance Donation by Ruth Barnett 14/08/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

In memory of all those PE lessons we avoided together... Donation by Felicity Spencer 14/08/08  

£10.00

Good Luck Jenny Donation by Eileen Fry 14/08/08  

£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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