Fundraiser for Channel swimmers

Thursday 29th March 2012

A team of fundraisers planning to swim across the English Channel are holding a ball to raise money for two charities.

Gary McKenna, Jessica Noble, Samuel Pointer and Emma McGee, who work for healthcare insurance providers AXA PPP International, will attempt to swim the English Channel as a relay team in August. The upcoming Charity Spring Ball is part of the team's efforts to raise £10,000 for the British Skin Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The ball will take place on March 30 from 7.30pm at the High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells. The evening will consist of a three-course meal, entertainment including a burlesque show and a disco at the end, with all proceeds going to the charities.

The British Skin Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for skin disease and skin cancer research, while the Cystic Fibrosis Trust supports research, clinical care, and practical support and advice.

The Channel swim on August 24, dubbed The Ultimate Swim Challenge by the team, will see each team member take it in turns to swim in one hour slots for the duration of the 34 kilometres across the water.

Gary, a self-proclaimed hater of cold water, said: "The swim itself is a huge physical challenge and is something I want to prove to myself I can do, as injuries have always got in the way of my sporting goals. As to why I want to help the British Skin Foundation, skin cancer has affected my family directly and anything I can do to help raise money and awareness on the issue is worth the time, effort and risk of the swim."

Tickets for the Charity Spring Ball cost £35. For tickets and more information email Jessica Noble on jessica.noble@axa-ppp.co.uk or call 07835 399 233.

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