Stonehouse boy completes charity swim

Dec 30 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON Advertiser paper boy made his own news when he swam thousands of lengths in the pool to raise money for a spinal injury charity.

Stonehouse lad Michael Evans (14) swam the equivalent of the English Channel to raise vital funds for Aspire, a leading UK charity.

Michael, a third-year Strathaven Academy pupil, joined 7000 other swimmers taking up the gruelling challenge from around the country.

Most others had 12 weeks to complete the task.

But due to family holiday committments, Michael only had eight weeks to complete his challenge, making every visit to the 25-metre Blantyre Leisure Centre pool an essential one, swimming in the region of 120 lengths per session.

Michael completed his English Channel challenge and the 1416 lengths on December 4.

His family announced this week that he raised £273.

Michael said: “I have been swimming since I was about five, and had noticed leaflets on the challenge at Blantyre Leisure Centre.

“I wanted to achieve a personal goal and in doing so, also get a bit fitter and raise money for a good cause.

“This was my first time doing the Aspire Channel Swim so I’m pleased with the money I raised and am proud of myself for completing the challenge which was quite tough.”

Michael’s mum Angela added: “I am so proud of Michael, first of all in choosing to take up such a difficult challenge, but mostly for thinking about people less fortunate than himself.

“Young people today get a hard time, and it’s nice for him to be recognised for doing something good as he is still only 14-years-old.

“Strathaven Academy were also pleased with Michael and had his story pasted up in the school.”

Michael and his family wish to thank all his Hamilton Advertiser delivery customers who donated, neighbours, family and friends, Blantyre Leisure Centre staff and everyone else who donated money around the village.

The money is still coming in from various sources and the pay-in deadline for money raised is March 2011.

Aspire specialises in helping people with spinal injuries through its various projects and programmes which offer practical support to the 40,000 people who live in Britain with a spinal cord injury.

Around four people every day suffer spinal injuries in Britain and are told the devastating news that they may never walk again.

Aspire also provide essential services to clients such as housing, grants, and information technology facilities, and advise people to help them from injury to independence.

If anyone wants to contribute they can log on to: www.justgiving.com/michael-e or contact 07719 176 145 to arrange a donation.