‘Public’s support an inspiration’
THE full extent of what he is taking on in a gruelling 24-hour swimming challenge is starting to dawn on Adrian Sarchet, aka Sea Donkey, who is raising money for the La Vallette regeneration project.
Mr Sarchet, who last year became the 21st person to complete the Oceans Seven marathon swim challenge, has been training at Beau Sejour.
‘I’ve been increasing by half an hour per week and it is really starting to get hard already,’ said Mr Sarchet.
‘I have a lot of experience dealing with long-distance swimming, so we know to an extent what we are preparing for.’
Local charity Vive La Vallette is hoping to raise £150,000 to cover the cost of the assisted access ramp into the Ladies Pool and to improve accessibility to the changing rooms and cafe, including a lift between the cafe and upper floor. Fundraising for the challenge has already reached £64,000, with the most recent donation of £31,000 coming from Friends of La Vallette.
‘The public’s response to date has been inspirational. I am profoundly grateful to all the brave people who have agreed to swim by my side and contribute to the fundraising effort. I have entered the hard yards period of my training progression, and still have a training mountain to climb, but this groundswell of public support has energised me to train harder than ever,’ said Mr Sarchet.
Almost 50 teams of up to six people have committed to swimming alongside him for hourly slots of the swim.
While many individuals and social groups have signed up, Mr Sarchet hoped that businesses will also enter teams.
‘I am hopeful that Guernsey’s corporate sector will recognise this momentum and support this community mission by entering corporate teams.’
Community lead for Vive La Vallette, Helen Bonner-Morgan, said the group was indebted to Mr Sarchet and those who have stepped up to donate or take part.
‘We are particularly appreciative of the most recent donation from the Friends of La Vallette, a Guernsey charity which comprises in excess of 200 regular users of the bathing pools and with whom we have worked closely during the duration of the regeneration work to help ensure that the facilities will be accessible and enjoyed by all.’
There are a few slots remaining for social teams and individuals, for which there is no entry fee.
The entry fee for a corporate team is £1,000 with all proceeds going to the regeneration project.
. The Sea Donkey 24-Hour Swim Challenge starts at 3pm on Saturday 20 August.
