In August I will be part of a Channel Relay Swim Team of
six people, called SMB  Spartans – Shaken Not Stirred, who will be
undertaking an English Channel Relay Swim of 21 Miles to France.  Between us,we will swim over 21 miles across the English Channel taking turns to do one hour swims.  As somebody who is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, this is a significant challenge for me.  I feel very fortunate to have friends who have all swam the channel before either as a solo or in a relay and wanted to support me before Parkinson’s Disease prevents me from being able to raise
any money, so they built a team around me and it is something that I have been training hard for, with them.  I want to push myself in these difficult times despite my disability and hopefully raise money at the same time so I can help support others in challenging situations as well as show students at Sandwich, that whatever they are going through in their lives, you can achieve your dreams if you put your mind to it, with hard work and determination.  As my dad would say, “nil sine labore”.  My aim is to split the money I raise between two charities:

Sandwich Sports and Leisure Centre:

Sandwich Technology School last year (May 2020) took
ownership of the Leisure Centre, but it has some £250,000 worth of repairs that need to be done.  As a PE teacher at Sandwich Technology School I know how vitally important this resource is for our students, but I also understand how the residents of Sandwich deserve a high quality Leisure Centre where they can exercise and stay fit and healthy.  As we know, Leisure Centres have been
hit hard by Covid-19 and many are struggling to re-open or maintain employing people from the local community.  I think it is important to support and preserve this local asset.  Throughout last summer, I know that many of the repairs have already been undertaken by the school, but there is still much to be done and the school needs our help in footing the bill!

Parkinson UK:

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition. This
means that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time.  The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's in the UK is about
145,000. But more than 1 million people in the UK are affected, either by living with Parkinson’s, or as a friend, colleague, or family member of someone who is.  Researchers are working hard to develop new and better treatments - and one day a cure.  I believe that this research is crucial, which is why I want to support it by raising as much money as I can. To make a donation to Parkinson UK please visit this fundrasing page:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevBeale/1

 I am hoping to raise £5000 for Parkinson UK and Sandwich Sports and Leisure Centre these two good causes and I am hoping that you can help me.  Please donate anything you can because I know it will make such a difference, as well as making sure I stay motivated in what will be the toughest swim and time of my life dealing with Parkinson’s Disease!

Please note any donations made here will go only to Sandwich Sports Center, please ensure you visit:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevBeale/1 

 to make a donation to Parkinsons UK.