A man is raising money for a local baton twirling team by swimming 25 kilometres over the space of five days in support of the team.
Chris Williams will swim five kilometres each day in order to raise £500 for Fahrenheit Baton Twirlers, for whom two if his daughters are team members, and his wife is a committee member.
The challenge is currently pencilled in to take place from Monday, March 17, to Friday, March 21, though this is subject to change.
The team, which is based out of Farrington Gurney, has recorded some impressive achievements recently, including nine medals at last year’s Majorette National Championships and a silver medal at the 2024 NBTA European Majorettes Championship in Eindhoven.
Corp Director for Fahrenheit, Amy Pinchen, said “The Williams’ have been a vital part of our fundraising efforts. It was thanks to Chris we were able to purchase a new set of pom-poms for last season. Our previous set has been shaken one too many times – and were falling apart.
“We are very grateful that Chris is so supportive of our team, including our ethos for inclusivity and sportsmanship and is also willing to put his body through this for the team.
“Competing and performing at any level can be expensive, but with the help of Chris we are hoping we can purchase the costumes and equipment that we need, as well as provide exciting opportunities for our growing team.
“We have six teams made up from 50 members for 2025 and our aspirations are to be involved in more community events this year as well as compete in the Majorette National Championships in July and defend our titles.”
Speaking about his decision to take on the fundraising swim, Mr Williams said: “I’ve been searching high and low for a pool to do a 12 hour swim in, and I’m not coming up with anything. So I thought this would be quite a nice gateway into doing that.
“The funding side of it is that they run a team with quite a lot of teenage girls, and you might imagine that some of them may get up to no good, rather they’re turning up here, training and having a laugh. And, it’s all quite fun, so I think it’s a really good group.
“My two girls are in the team. They really enjoy it.
“From that point of view it’s quite nice, and it’s quite a community based service almost. Amy makes all the hoodies, T-shirts, leggings and prizes when it comes to Christmas and the summer. I just want to do my bit to support them.“
Should the fundraising target of £500 not be met by the final day, he will sponsor himself to make up the difference.
Fahrenheit will also be raising money through an Easter bingo at Farrington Gurney Village Hall on Friday March 28, which will be supported by Pigtails Hair Studio.