A very brave group of friends have taken on and completed the 4-man relay across the English Channel! This courageous feat has raised a staggering £40,000, which will all go towards providing vital care services and short breaks for disabled children across Kent
The English Channel is a unique and demanding swim, considered by many to be the ultimate long distance challenge. Many attempt this gruelling challenge but far fewer complete it.
The swim started from the beaches of Dover and ended 21 miles and 12 hours later later on the French coast.
Stuart, Kevin, Tom and Ryan who are not experienced swimmers tackled choppy cold sea conditions, passing vessels, marine life and plenty of seasickness and the risk of hypothermia.
Their motivation? To support Rupert, Stuart’s son who lives with Autism.
Rupert is 10 and loves water and everything Disney, he is very energetic, loving and has a cheeky sense of humour. His day-to-day life is challenging he is non-verbal and requires extra support including his personal care.
His parents and the rest of the team hope the funds raised will enable children like Rupert to enjoy fun days out, and activities.
Luke Cashin, Fundraising Manager at Beams is amazed by the team’s dedication.
“This is such a fantastic achievement from all involved and it is thanks to challenges like these that We Are Beams are able to continue to provide holiday play schemes, day trips and respite care for disabled children”
The disabled children and young people who access Beams services will typically have one or more learning difficulty, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD.
Based in Hextable, Beams have a 6 bedded respite care unit called Dragons Retreat, here children and young people up to the age of 19 are cared for and taught important skills such as independence and social skills