Courtesy of Andrea Kelly, Swim the Lakes, The Lake District.

Andrea Kelly, who runs Swim the Lakes with her husband Pete, is encouraging people to swim 10 km by the end of January for the charity Save the Children.

They launched the charity initiative in order to help children in war-torn countries with a swimming twist. “People can swim throughout January. It is a virtual event so they can do Swim The Lakes anywhere in the world.”

Swimmers can take part in any location, in a pool or outdoors, and do the entire 10 km in one attempt or in shorter sections day by day. They can register online and pay the £20 donation to take part in the ‘virtual swim challenge], receive a badge on completion, and join a Facebook group to connect with other participants.

“The children desperately need our help,” said Andrea.

“Millions of children’s lives are being torn apart by war across Yemen, in Aleppo, Syria and Mosul, Iraq. Many have watched their family and friends killed and maimed in front of them. They live under siege, denied food, water and medicine – leaving them at risk of disease and malnutrition.

As the parent of a young child [who turns one on New Year’s Day], I feel the dread for them of becoming separated from their parents – alone, afraid and vulnerable in a warzone. Save the Children’s teams are on the ground doing whatever it takes but they need our help to do more.
If you are going to make a new year resolution to get fit, meet new people, start a new hobby or help others then this is for you. Why not join up with others in your area through our Swim for Children in War Facebook page and do it together?”

All profits go to the charity that has a target of £5000. For more details, see Swim The Lakes.

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