Super swimmer Jeff braves the cold for freezing fundraiser Dates for your diary

Up for a challenge? There are so many exciting ways for you to get involved in fundraising events to support our work. Why not have a go at some of these great fundraising activities?

COLOR OBSTACLE RUSH DATE: 20 MAY 2023

For the adventurous, enjoy the festival atmosphere at Kempton Park Racecourse as you jog, bounce and laugh your way along this incredible 5k obstacle course. Prepare for clouds of colour powder, music, slides and foam - making this an exciting and memorable day for all. Don't want the fun to end? Join the after party at the end of the course for a boogie to celebrate your physical and fundraising achievements.

RIDE LONDON-ESSEX 100 DATE: 28 MAY 2023

A keen swimmer who took the plunge in a cold water challenge to help seriously ill children at St Mary's Hospital has raised almost £1,000 to support our work.

Jeff Harris, whose wife works as a Clinical Psychologist at St Mary's, was inspired to take on the freezing fundraiser after hearing about the hospital's incredible work providing care and treatment for young patients on the children's wards.

He inspired friends and family to sponsor him by braving temperatures as low as 8.5 degrees as he put his body to the test in an extraordinary 10km open-water swim throughout the month of November last year.

Prolonged swimming in cold temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia, so in order to stay safe

“It was difficult, particularly on rainy days when the air temperature was cold and the conditions were blustery”

Jeff spread the distance over 15 swims - reaching his 10km target on the very last day of the month.

He has so far raised over £900, nearly double his original goal, which will go towards our St Mary's Children's Fund campaign.

Jeff's fantastic fundraising feats will help us provide even better care for seriously ill children in hospital by funding much-improved facilities and playroom toys.

Jeff, who only recently took up outdoor swimming, said: "It's great exercise for physical and mental health, and a real challenge during the winter months. It was difficult, particularly on rainy days when the air temperature was cold and the conditions were blustery. But I wanted to set myself a challenge that would involve swimming regularly and I enjoyed it a lot."

Experience 100 miles of traffic-free roads on this spectacular cycle ride, taking in famous London locations and 60 miles of stunning Essex countryside on your way. Beginning on Victoria Embankment and finishing on Tower Bridge, you'll be able to wave to friends and family as you start and finish this iconic cycle.

ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON DATE:

8 OCTOBER 2023

Lace up your trainers and take in some of London's best landmarks on this 13.1-mile course, which weaves its way through four of the capital's royal parks - Hyde Park, Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens. Whether you want to walk, jog or run, this is a wonderful way to see the city's autumn colours while raising vital funds to support our hospitals.

For more information about all our fundraising events, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events or email info@imperialcharity.org.uk

For more information about all our fundraising events, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events or email fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk