Swimming for live-saving equipment

The first ever Swimarathon, organised by Horsham Lions, took place at Pavilions in the Park on Sunday February 19.

More than 30 miles and 1,800 lengths were collectively swum by 17 teams of youngsters who managed to raise a total of £4,532 and ten pence.

Money will now be used to buy three defibrillators to be installed across Forest, Millais and Tanbridge House School.

Laura Ward, community and enrichment manager at The Forest School, which entered three teams into the Swimarathon, said: “We were extremely pleased to be able to participate in this event to raise money towards the Horsham Lions 2012 project.

“We are so proud of the boys who took part – they raised a fantastic sum of money and on the day swam over seven miles between them!”

Twelve young people a week lose their lives to sudden cardiac arrest, according to official government statistics.

An AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a life-saving device which gives anyone, trained or untrained, the ability to deliver a life saving shock of electricity to a victim of cardiac arrest.

“It is a very worthy cause, and as one of the schools which will benefit we would like to thank everyone who supported this event and thank the Horsham Lions for organising a fantastic day,” added Mrs Ward.

Medals were presented to all the participating teams by Lions president Deryck Wright.

He said: “I would like to thank all those who took part.

“The money raised should go a long way towards our aim of providing defibrillators for the three Horsham secondary schools.

“This event is a great example of members of the community helping a worthy cause that will benefit our young people in Horsham and should the need ever arise save lives.”