A MELKSHAM swimming teacher recently led a splashathon for babies, to raise funds for the charities Tommy’s and the Children’s Alliance.
Kim Stevens, a business manager/teacher with Water Babies, held the event at the Starfish Hydrotherapy Pool in Chippenham. Swimmers from birth to five years old were sponsored to complete swimming challenges in their favourite fancy dress.
“We had exciting classes for the event; children and parents could dress up in the theme of ‘Oceans of Imagination’,” explained Kim. “During the lesson, the children completed a sponsored swim. Seeing the efforts everyone made with their costumes and raising lots of money to give children a better, brighter future was one of the highlights of our year.
“All of us here at Water Babies Wiltshire, Bath & Bristol are proud to announce that our total raised so far during our splashathon is £14,717. With the support of over 52 regional offices and around 600 teachers, Water Babies nationally has raised a massive £567,000. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who took part.
“Babies and children are at the heart of this special charity partnership and all the money raised goes to two special charities: Tommy’s, which is committed to saving babies’ lives, funding medical research and supporting families through every part of their pregnancy journey, and the Children’s Alliance, which helps ensure disadvantaged children can benefit from safe and fun access to water in their local communities, supporting their mental, physical and emotional health as they grow.”
Tommy’s chief executive officer, Kath Abrahams said, “Splashathon is a fabulous way for children to have fun in support of a vital cause. We’re grateful to every family taking part and everyone who’s working hard to make it happen at swimming pools around the UK.”
A member of the Children’s Alliance, Tamsin Brewis said, “We’re so appreciative of every water baby taking part, who are helping us to give better starts and brighter futures to children across the country.”
If you’d also like to support the work by Tommy’s and The Children’s Alliance, then you can donate to the splashathon by Sunday 31st March here: www.splashathon.org/fundraising/water-babies-kim
