Youth charities awarded Swimarathon money

As long-term sponsors of the Lions Club of Jersey Swimarathon, RBC Wealth Management’s new offices at Gaspé House were the venue for an evening reception to present the 2017 beneficiaries with its donation from this year’s big swim.

Over £130,000 was raised at the Island’s longest running fundraising event, with 50% of this total going to five local charities which support Jersey’s youth in a number of different ways: Brig-y-Don Children’s Charity, Every Child Our Future, Brook Jersey, Jersey Association for Youth & Friendship and Brighter Futures. The other 50% will be distributed throughout the year to a number of local good causes supported by the Lions Club of Jersey. 

Barney Gordon who was supported during his early life in care by Brig-y-Don Children’s Charity, attended the evening reception and said: ‘I’ve been extremely lucky to have received support from Brig-y-Don, most recently while studying for a Criminology degree in the UK, including help with the expense of attending my own graduation ceremony. I’m now back on Jersey and have just passed my initial training as a police officer. I will forever be grateful for the care and support shown to me by Brig-y-don and the money donated this evening by the Swimarathon will help others like me.’

Lion Andrew Quinn, President of the Lions Club of Jersey remarked: ‘On behalf of everyone involved with the organisation of the Swimarathon, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the thousands of islanders who took part, those who generously sponsored the swimmers and to the enthusiastic crowds who came along to offer moral support. It’s resulted in another great sum of money raised, to benefit young people like Barney. Handing the cheques over to these five great charities will definitely be one of the key highlights of my Presidency.’

Chris Blampied, Head of Banking from sponsors RBC Wealth Management added: ‘I’m always amazed by the continued support of islanders for this much loved community event, with this year seeing a record number of swimmers take to the water. Supporting young people is a key area of focus for RBC, so we are delighted that over £65,000 of the money generously donated

will support the five charities here this evening and in turn make a real difference to Jersey’s youth.’