Swimmer Libby’s going that extra mile for our soldiers (From Thisisdorset)
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Swimmer Libby’s going that extra mile for our soldiers
3:00pm Sunday 9th October 2011 in Latest By Jenny Makin
Fifteen-year-old Libby Pardoe who is swimming a mile everyday to raise cash for a benevolent fund which benefits soldiers who come home injured
EVERY day, New Forest schoolgirl Libby Pardoe is diving in to her local swimming pool with one thing on her mind – the brave Hampshire soldiers who have just been sent to the Afghanistan frontline.
The 15-year-old has decided to do what she can to support the troops who are risking life and limb, choosing to swim a mile for every day the boys are deployed to the war zone.
Because of the staggering of deployment dates it’s likely that will mean Libby clocking up more than 300 miles – or around 21,000 lengths between now and next April.
She’s hoping Echo readers will get behind her mammoth challenge by digging deep to sponsor her splashing effort and raise money to support those who could return scarred by life-changing injuries.
Libby, a pupil at Priestlands School in Lymington, is supporting the campaign to help the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment – nicknamed The Tigers – raise £60,000. The money will be reserved for immediate use to help the families of soldiers who may be flown home for urgent medical treatment.
Libby, who lives with her family in the New Forest, doesn’t have to look far to remind her why she is getting in the water every day of the week.
She became aware of The Tigers through her mum Deborah’s work with the regiment and decided she wanted to do her bit.
Deborah said: “I have always brought her up to believe that life is about what you give, not what you get.
“Libby is very aware that these guys are putting their lives on the line and if they come back hurt then financially, they are going to need help.
“This money is for immediate assistance for them and their families should the unthinkable happen - and she is hoping every day it will be the biggest waste of time. If they don’t need a penny, that would be just great.”
• To sponsor Libby visit justgiving.com/tigersin afghanistan
