The Preece Family, from England, were so moved by the child
drowning epidemic across Asia that they decided to support the SwimSafe program
as their charity for 2013. Parents Phil and Kathryn and their three daughters,
Nicola (12), Rebecca (10) and Hannah (6), were shocked by the statistics and
wanted to help make a difference in the lives of those children at risk from
drowning.
Nicola wanted to support SwimSafe as she is a swimmer and
wanted to support her hobby to save other children’s lives. “It is quite
astonishing that something I do every week as fun could save someone’s life”.
Rebecca was shocked by the drowning statistics, “It is scary
that just because children slip into the water they could die”. Hannah
supported SwimSafe because “I like swimming and want others to like it too”.
The family’s fundraising efforts included:
- The
girls baking cakes during the Summer and inviting their neighbours around to
buy cakes and Pimms in the garden.
- The
Great North swim that Phil in a fantastic time of 30.40 minutes.
- Climbing
Mount Snowdon as a family in October. On the first attempt the weather
conditions were so severe they had to turn back—Phil & Hannah were blown
off the mountain! However they were ok
and tried again a few days later and reached the summit in time for a hot
chocolate in the café before completing the descent—9 miles in 6 hours.
- The
girls have been donating part of their pocket money throughout the year and as a family
putting money in the pot instead of buying cakes with a cup of tea when out
& about.
- The
final fundraiser was a cake sale at school with the girls baking and decorating
200 cakes to sell to their school friends.
Through these efforts the Preece
family has raised 500 pounds which will fully fund 46 children to complete the
SwimSafe program of 20 lessons and provide them with essential swimming and
water safety skills.
If you
would like to donate to the SwimSafe program, please visit the How You Can Help Page
For more information on the
SwimSafe program please visit www.swimsafe.org