Splashing start for Malmesbury minibus appeal (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)
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Splashing start for Malmesbury minibus appeal
12:00pm Tuesday 31st July 2012 in News By Laura Shack
Swimmer Ben Francis, 17, and swim coach Maurice Cleaver threaten to push Malmesbury mayor Ray Sanderson in the pool during a swimathon held at the Activity Zone
A MALMESBURY minibus appeal is making waves after a sponsored swim got supporters splashing the cash.
Last week the Standard joined Malmesbury mayor Ray Sanderson in launching a campaign to raise £6,000 to help buy a minibus for disabled children in South Africa.
On Saturday, the first leg of a 6,000 length swim kicked off a series of fundraising events.
Cllr Sanderson tested the water for young swimmers from Malmesbury Marlins Swimming Club, who raised more than £200 by swimming 2,000 lengths. A second event is planned for later in the year.
It was a fun event for a serious cause helping a deprived South African community, said Cllr Sanderson.
"A pencil or a rubber would make them cry because they’ve got nothing," he said. "The minibus will literally save lives because it means that these kids can get the education and treatment that they wouldn’t get otherwise."
To support the Malmesbury Minibus campaign, donations should be sent to Malmesbury Mayor Appeal, Malmesbury Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ
