Category: News

The Grange Swims The Channel

In March 2024, 36 individuals with learning and physical disabilities from The Grange Centre in Bookham decided to swim or walk the distance equivalent to the Dover to Calais. Their aim was to raise funds for an accessible footpath to the recently installed greenhouse. Currently, the path to the greenhouse is a mix of soft uneven soil with a slope and aggregate, making it inaccessible for individuals who have mobility issues or use a wheelchair. 
 
The challenge was to swim/walk the English Channel to France, 21 miles in total, during April. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the Challenge, there was an issue with The Grange therapy pool meaning the swimmers could not use the pool. A plea to the local Better Leisure Centre in Leatherhead went out and the centre’s Manager, Darren Pope, came to the rescue offering special lanes at no cost so the challenge could start.
 
With a great start at Leatherhead Leisure Centre and the pool at The Grange open again, it was all systems go. The swimmers were so enthusiastic throughout the month and pleased to be back in the pool, that they managed an outstanding 58.69 miles in total; that’s Dover to Calais there and back and more. James, one of the swimmers, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and said, “I love our new greenhouse, and I enjoyed swimming to help raise funds for a new path so that everyone can use it.”
 
Ann Haywood Fundraising Team Leader said, “This has been an amazing event. The dedication from The People We Support has been inspiring. The hardest part has been telling them to stop; they just want to keep going.”
 
 Alison Keely, the CEO, said, “This has been an amazing achievement from The People We Support. I would like to thank everyone who has donated, not only friends and families but also the local community. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the staff and volunteers who have given up their time to make this possible.”
 
Despite raising a fantastic £10,269.00, bringing them ever closer to their target of obtaining an accessible pathway, more funding is still required. If you would like to donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/grange-swims-the-channel