An Ambleside businesswoman has launched a charity initiative to help children in war-torn countries, by swimming for a month.
Andrea Kelly, who runs Swim the Lakes with husband Pete, is encouraging people to swim 10 kilometres by the end of January for the charity Save the Children.
Swimmers can take part in any location, in a pool or outdoors, and do the entire 10k 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.
“Children desperately need our help,” said Andrea, whose son William will be one on New Year’s Day.
Andrea and son William: swim challenge will help children in distress
“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.”
She added: “As the parent of a young child, 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 and Andrea’s target is £5000.
For more details see https://etchrock.com/challenge/swim-for-children-in-war
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