Kennet pupils swim the length of the English Channel

Young swimmers take to the water for charity

A GROUP of young swimmers at Kennet School swam the length of the English Channel in less than an hour as part of a charity swimathon yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

The group of swimmers ranging from Year 7 to 11 swam the 22-mile, 35,406-metre distance – or 1,417 laps of the Kennet Leisure Centre pool – to raise money for British Heart Foundation.

There were 21 pupils, aged between 11 and 15, who took part in the swim led by PE teacher Georgia Marriott, and each is now fundraising individually for their efforts.

Miss Marriott said after the swim: “The event was a success and they managed to swim over their target of 1,417 in one hour and swam 1,568 in 45 minutes.

“It was a complete mix of abilities, from Newbury swimmers to those who have only been swimming a short while.”

The group has currently raised £120 on its JustGiving Page which can be accessed by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/G-Marriott where donations can still be made.