Sea Donkey’s employer gives £10,000 towards fundraiser
‘SEA DONKEY’ Adrian Sarchet went back to work after his 24-hour swimming challenge – and found a £10,000 donation from his employer, Julius Baer Guernsey, at his desk.
Mr Sarchet notably undertook the challenge to swim for 24 hours at La Vallette bathing pools two weeks ago, and is now within touching distance of his £150,000 fundraising target for Vive La Vallette and Guernsey Disability Swimming to provide a wheelchair and reduced mobility access to the ladies’ pool.
More than 400 islanders swam alongside him over the period.
He is in-house legal counsel at Julius Baer in Guernsey.
‘Ady is an inspiration to all of us here at Julius Baer, and many other people in the Guernsey community. Having joined him in the pool for an hour I can only imagine the mental fortitude required to get through a whole 24 hours in that temperature of water,’ said branch manager Stephen Burt.
‘The team have rallied round Ady’s effort and I’m especially pleased that we were able to donate an extra £10,000 to the cause, which is sure to improve lives here in Guernsey.’
Team members from Julius Baer helped with marshalling and registration at the event across the 24 hours.
Many joined Mr Sarchet in the pool for the final hour and the bank provided food and drink for all those helping.
Mr Sarchet said: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from across the island, and for my colleagues to have been so supportive is a huge bonus. Their time and efforts in and around the pool are so appreciated, and the donation makes a great difference to raising these vital funds. I feel incredibly lucky to work for such an inclusive and caring organisation.’
Julius Baer has also donated a further £10,000 to Grow Ltd to help the charity reach its £3m. funding target for the redevelopment of its site by the end of August.
‘Adrian, through Vive La Vallette and Guernsey Disability Swimming, and Grow all aim to make Guernsey a better place to live for those with acute and specialist needs,’ said Mr Burt.
‘We believe passionately that Guernsey has so much to offer, from the freedom of sea swimming to the dignity afforded by meaningful work, and are happy to support these causes. We would encourage everyone to donate what they can – they’re two superb causes.’
