Six members of HBPW put on their swimming costumes in the name of charity recently and, in doing so, not only raised £1,483, but, by their actions, paid tribute to a much-loved colleague who died from terminal bile duct cancer.
CAD Technician Ben Daly fought his illness to the end, spending his final days supported by South Yorkshire’s Rotherham Hospice, a specialist care and support facility for people with a life limiting illness.
So, when the Rotary Club of Retford gave businesses, schools, organisations, community groups and individuals the chance to raise money for several charities – including their own designated recipient – six members of HBPW decided it was time to once again get involved in the club’s Annual Charity Swimathon at Retford Leisure Centre in Nottinghamshire.
They collectively swam 147 lengths – James Cable even won the Senior Individual Most Lengths award after clocking up 33 lengths of the pool in the 13 minute time slot – and in doing so the team put 60% of their money pot, just shy of £900, into Rotherham Hospice’s coffers.
The rest goes to Rotary’s chosen charities: The Notts Motor Neurone Disease Association, and the Bassetlaw Aurora Centre project, which provides support to young people from families affected by cancer.
Twenty five teams featuring 300 swimmers took part in the popular community event.
“It was a great day,” said James “and I was delighted to learn that overall the event, featuring lots of different teams, raised over £13,000. Team HBPW won the awards for ‘Senior Team Most Lengths’ and ‘Senior Team Most Sponsorship’.
“A worthy result but, more than that, a great way to give back to the hospice that gave so much to our great colleague Ben Daly and his family. The Annual Charity Swimathon event is held annually and HBPW always puts up a team so sponsorship in March 2024 will be most welcome! I can be contacted at the office!”
Just before his demise, brave Ben and his brother George raised a staggering £12,000 for the hospital treating him, with a mammoth seven-day charity cycle.