Portland youngsters go the length with Comic Relief swim challenge (From Dorset Echo)
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Portland youngsters go the length with Comic Relief swim challenge
11:00am Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Catherine Bolado
STAR SWIMMERS: Charlotte Pascoe, in red, and friend Gianna Barfoot, in black
TWO charitable Portland youngsters have raised more than £380 for Comic Relief with a swimming challenge.
Friends Charlotte Pascoe and Gianna Barfoot, both nine, were so touched by the plight of children in Africa that they wanted to do something to help.
They organised a mile-long swim at Osprey Quay Leisure Centre yesterday on Mother’s Day and family and friends turned up to cheer them on.
They had a score card to show them how many lengths they had done, until they got to 64, which equals a mile.
The friends met at Tornadoes Swimming Club where they both train twice a week.
Charlotte, who attends the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy, said: “We just wanted to do something.
“We both are in squads and love swimming.”
She added that the swim had been challenging but the thought of helping children less fortunate than themselves had spurred them on.
She said: “The best bit was when we finished.
“We did a Mexican wave.”
Both friends said they felt very proud and would be watching Comic Relief on Friday and thinking how they had helped.
Charlotte said: “We have done it all and raised lots of money to help lots of children.”
Gianna, who attends St George’s Primary School on Portland, said the pair swam 32 lengths and then had a break before getting back in for the final 32.
The girls said that every five pounds raised would allow Comic Relief to buy a vaccine to protect a child against five different illnesses or buy a mosquito net to protect against mosquito bites that could spread malaria.
So far they have raised enough to buy more than 76 vaccines or mosquito nets.
The girls would like to thank everyone who helped them raise £381.50 for Comic Relief.
Gianna and Charlotte said: “Thank you to everyone that’s sponsored us and our mums and dads and family and friends.”
They also said a special thank you to the leisure centre for letting them swim for free.
They added a special message to their mums on Mother’s Day.
The girls said: “Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day.”
Charlotte and Gianna’s families said they were very proud.
Chantelle Barfoot, Gianna’s mum, said: “I’m so proud.
“I just thought it was a really good idea.
“It’s nice they are involved and know about charities.”
Katy Pascoe, Charlotte’s mum, said: “I felt very proud of them both for wanting to do something for children less fortunate than themselves and recognising how fortunate they are.”
She added: “I’m extremely proud of them.”
If you would like to donate, the girls have set up a Just Giving page my.rednoseday.com/sponsor/charlottepascoe
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