80 intrepid fundraisers are taking the plunge for Wessex Cancer Trust – in celebration of the charity’s 40th birthday.
On 3rd August, a team of 40 will be skydiving from 10,000ft at Sandown Airport, while on 4th September, another 40 will be swimming The Solent, between Hurst Point and Colwell Bay.
So far, the birthday skydive and swim teams have raised more than £21,000 for the charity, which supports hundreds of Island families living with cancer.
To celebrate 40 years of cancer care, Wessex Cancer Trust’s IW staff will also be joining the celebrations with Regional Fundraising Manager Lorraine White taking on the skydive and the Newport support centre’s Manager, Mike Sizer-Green, doing the swim.
Island businesses have also pledged their support, with teams from Hovertravel, WRS Systems, Glanvilles Damant Legal Services and Will Squibb Boatbuilders among those signed up to skydive on 3rd August.
The Solent swim has been a labour of love for the Trust’s Centre Manager, Mike, and long-time supporter Michelle Salsbury and many of those taking part have had their own
personal journeys with cancer.
Mike said:
“What I ask of you, please, is if you can look on Swim for Hope as a bit more than a swim across The Solent. That stretch of water, to me and so many others who have
traversed it day after day for cancer treatment, represents a major hurdle.Article continues below this advertisement “It’s a daily challenge – a nightmare sometimes. For some, it’s the reason they elect not to undergo treatment.”
The team is currently looking for kayakers and RIBs to assist with the 1.3-mile swim, which is sponsored by The Collection, by Hose Rhodes Dickson. If you can help, register at https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/safety-kayak-registration-form/ or email [email protected].
To sponsor the 40th birthday team go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/takingtheplunge.
