Action Language volunteer Hilary Bennison has raised over £1,000 and clocked up a mighty 16 miles of her 22 mile fundraising swimathon, before her local pool was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The plucky swimmer had been visiting Gosforth Pool three times a week since she embarked on her watery challenge at the beginning of February.

‘The French coast was in sight!’

Hilary initially set herself a £400 fundraising target, which she smashed by raising £600 before she’d even got into the pool!

Hilary said: “I completed 16 miles and I only had six left to do, which is frustrating. The French Coast was in sight and I was even getting the hang of the crawl!”

“But there are far more important things to think about now so I just wanted to thank you all for your generous donations.”

Sheer determination

Fundraising & Grants Officer Abi Walker said: “It’s been amazing to support Hilary through this incredible challenge! We’ve all been absolutely blown away by the amount that Hilary’s raised and her sheer determination to complete the challenge.’

“Now more than ever we rely on the generosity of supporters like Hilary – this money will make such a difference to the lives of refugees and asylum seekers who are struggling through the current crisis!”

If you’ve not had a chance to sponsor Hilary yet, please visit her Golden Giving Page and give her total a boost. After all, she’s ploughed up and down the pool 1,024 times for Action Foundation!!!!

If you’d be interested in some digital fundraising please get in touch with [email protected]