Ascension : SWIM FOR TERRI
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 18.12.2003 (Article Archived on 01.01.2004)

On Saturday 6 December 2003, swimming pools around the world, hosted swimmers of all ages and abilities to make a difference for a young girl called Terri.

On Saturday 6 December 2003, swimming pools around the world, hosted swimmers of all ages and abilities to make a difference for a young girl called Terri.  Terri sustained 90% burns in a house fire and her story was the subject of a one-hour documentary on national television in the UK in June 2003.

The idea was to swim the length of the English Channel - 35km between all participating swimmers.  The swimmers raised sponsor money which will go to the Terri Calvesbert Appeal.                                         

On Ascension Island, pupils from Two Boats School got involved, teachers, RAF personnel and even a team from Oxford and Cambridge University Air Squadrons came to swim at RAF Travellers Swimming Pool.  They accomplished their aim to cover the 35km; this was due in part to the tremendous support all the swimmers received from all the sponsors, parents, friends and teachers.

An event like this can not take place without assistance from a number of people, so I would like to thank all the swimmers for taking the time to make a difference for Terri.  Without the authority of Squadron Leader Mark Pattinson the swim could not have gone ahead.  Squadron Leader Brendan Carson for arranging the passage of the University Air Squadron students to part-take in the event on Ascension Island.  Also, Ration Stores, In-flight Catering, NAAFI, Mr Higgins, Mr Kettlewell and Rueben the Lifeguard.                                                                

A special thanks, goes to the counters.  Without their help, a sponsored swim becomes aimless, so thanks to Sue Carson, Judith Simon, Sue Thomas, Narella Lawrence and David Higgins.

Could all sponsorship be collected as soon as possible.  Many Thanks.