Swimmers reach target

A team of four from a charity that helps adults with learning disabilities completed a mile-long swim across the Serpentine in London.

Julia Sandhu, Beverley Rayner, Steve Shatwell and Anna Joyce have between them more than 25 years’ involvement with Reach Learning Disability. It has bases in Southwell, Newark and Mansfield.

They understand the challenges that can affect people with learning disabilities and were inspired to take on the Swim Serpentine challenge.

The Serpentine is a 40-acre lake in Hyde Park.

Julia, the charity’s income generation director, said: “I had never done open water swimming before and enjoyed discovering a new pastime.

“I definitely recommend taking part in a challenge event as a motivating way to get fitter.”

Together they raised more than £4,000 towards the cost of supported holidays organised by the charity, which allow people with learning disabilities to experience some independence away from home, build confidence and make new friends.

The holidays are run twice a year. The money helps those who may otherwise have not been able to go.

Reach has been allocated a number of places in the Ride London bike race in July next year.

Anyone interested in taking part or who would like to take on another challenge in support of the charity should contact fundraising officer Sarah Cobb on 01636 819066.