A group of community nurses are braving the shivery seas to raise money for The Martlets, and are looking for more swimmers to join them.
The nurses are also looking for sponsors for their Saltwater Splash on Sunday, 30 August, from Yellowave on Madeira Drive, Brighton.
Community Nurse Shelia O’Toole organised the swim to raise money for the Martlets after regularly working in collaboration with the hospice team.
She said: “Without the support and specialist advice available from the hospice, many of my patients would probably need repeated hospital admissions, especially for complicated symptom control.
“But with the help of the Martlets, my colleagues and I are able to keep them in their own homes with their friends and family nearby, which is understandably where they would rather be.”
Sports enthusiast Shelia has also managed to persuade four of her colleagues, Helen, Kelly, Emilie and Kate, to join her in this open water adventure.
Clem Hunnisett, community events fundraiser for the Martlets, said: “This is our first sea-swim challenge, no-one else is offering this kind of event and we are really excited about it.
“Whether you’re a seasoned sea swimmer, or looking for a challenge after your laps in the pool, with two distances to choose from, this event offers something for everyone.
“With a mass start from the beach, participants will swim either one or two laps around the buoyed triangular course before crossing the finishing line back on the beach.
“All money raised from the Saltwater Splash will help us care for local families when they need us most.”
It is £30 to take part in the Saltwater Splash, and the Martlets are asking everyone who signs up to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. The Martlets receives less than a third of their funding from the government and must raise £11,000 a day to help people who are dying to do so with dignity and in as calm and peaceful a way as possible.
The funds raised will help the Martlets provide end of life care to adults who are affected by terminal and life limiting illness, as well as caring for their families and loved ones. Facilities include an 18 bed In-Patient Unit, Hospice at Home service, Patient and Family Support team and Martlets Day Services.
To find out more or to register online, visit the Martlets Hospice website www.themartlets.org.uk/seaswim, contact Clem Hunnisett events@martlets.org.uk or call 01273 718780.
The Community Nurse’s fundraising page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/community-nurses. Shelia added: “All donations will be very much appreciated for this excellent cause.”
