Team THS will be taking part in a fundraising swim between the islands of Gozo and Malta on 21 September 2024 to support young people with a bleeding disorder.

Eight people from the Haemophilia Society, including our Chief Executive, Kate Burt and four of our Youth Ambassadors, Ross Bennett, Alex Taylor-Rose, Josh Taylor-Rose and Peta Dixon will be attempting the 6km swim. Alex and Josh’s brother Oliver will also be taking part, along with their friend, Katie Shaw, and Peta’s friend, Sam Perrett.

They are raising funds to support our twinning partnership with the Malta Bleeding Disorders Society (MBDS) which began this year. The money raised will go towards running a youth camp in Malta in summer 2025.

We’ve been running our annual youth camp for decades, and it remains one of our most popular events. The camps give young people with bleeding disorders a chance to try new activities and to meet others who’ve had similar life experiences. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been away from home without their parents. The friendships they make are as important as the activities they enjoy.

Ross, who’s also Chair of our Youth Board, said: ‘I’m feeling a bit nervous about the swim, but I’m really looking forward to being part of the THS team to raise money for this important cause. Having been to our youth camp in the UK, I have seen what an opportunity it gives to young people with a bleeding disorder in terms of offering independence, building confidence and starting to self-advocate with the health professionals on site. I hope this project is the first step towards regular exchanges between our communities in Malta and the UK.’

One in 2,000 people in the UK have a diagnosed bleeding disorder, including conditions such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disorder, that result when the blood cannot clot properly. As many as a third of bleeding disorder diagnoses have no known family history, which means a diagnosis can come completely out of the blue.

We’re a small charity with big ambitions for improving the lives of people with a bleeding disorder. We are proud to offer free events to our members, bringing our community together to forge friendships, share experiences and find out about the best treatment and care.

We campaign for what matters to our members, lobbying government, the NHS and clinicians to demand excellent care and safe, effective treatment, which is available to all.

By sponsoring our swimmers in the Gozo to Malta Swim Challenge, you are helping us to share our knowledge and experience with our colleagues in Malta, enabling the young people with bleeding disorders in that country to enjoy a unique, enriching youth camp experience.