We have started Swim 4 Louey in memory of our son Louey Parkhurst who we lost aged 14 in July 2021 to an undiagnosed brain tumour.

We will be fundraising to provide grants to underprivileged local children aged between 5 and 17 years to take part in foundation swim lessons and swim survive lifesaving skills. If they are proficient enough and 16/17 years old, a recognised life guarding qualification to allow them to gain employment as a lifeguard.

Swimming is an essential life skill. Not only could it save your life one day but it helps keep you healthy both physically and mentally. Taking part in lessons is great for confidence, social skills and making friends. Most schools do not have the resources or funds to provide more than a few lessons throughout the child's education which is simply not enough.

Louey loved being in the water. He loved training several times a week with his friends at his swim club Witham Dolphins, competing in galas and swim meets. He took part in a save and survive class weekly learning lifesaving skills with the aim to become a lifeguard when he was 16. On holidays Louey enjoyed the freedom from be able to swim well by being in the water all day swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing and going to waterparks. We feel grateful that Louey was able to have the opportunity to start these lessons as a baby and continue throughout his life. We know that it can be expensive and some families will not be able to financially do this as much as they may want to, especially with the current cost of living crisis.

We want to with your help, to be able to pass this love of swimming on 💙