Cheshire home benefits from Swimarathon

Swimmers taking part in next month’s Sure Swimarathon will help raise much needed funds to extend Guernsey Cheshire Home.

Swimarathon organisers Lions Club and Round Table have pledged to give half of the proceeds to the home in the Rohais. The other half will be given to deserving individuals and organisations around the Bailiwick.
“We are absolutely delighted that we can announce that the main beneficiary for this year’s Sure Swimarathon will be Guernsey Cheshire Home. The care provided there is fantastic and ensures that the residents enjoy as much independence and normal living as possible, making their own choices, and controlling their own lives in as close a family atmosphere as possible. It’s invaluable to the community and deserves our support so with just three weeks to go, we hope to fill all of the remaining lanes with swimmers,” said chairman of the organising committee Jeff Kitts

Guernsey Cheshire Home provides care and opportunity for its residents and day visitors who suffer from conditions that include multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, strokes and motor neurone disease. It relies on donations and fund-raising to cover the costs of running the home, maintenance and alteration.

The last major work at the property was carried out in 1993 and now fund-raising is underway to upgrade the property. The project includes the creation of en-suite facilities for two of the residents' rooms, building two further en-suite rooms and improvements to the kitchen and laundry facilities. The final part of the work will focus on redecorating the common areas and re-carpeting the stairs.

“The cost of the work has been estimated at £350,000 and they have already made £200,000 of that available, which is a significant achievement. We hope that as many islanders as possible will take part in this year’s event to try and raise enough money to ensure that this vital project goes ahead,” said Mr Kitts.

The Sure Swimarathon takes place from 9th to 11th October 2009 and entry forms are available from Beau Sejour, Sure’s shop in the High Street and Cable & Wireless offices in Upland Road and at Centenary House. Further information and entry forms are also available from http://www.swimarathon.org/