Sidmouth Herald swimmers land �1k for ShelterBox

Herald journalists receive match-funding from Archant for ShelterBox swimathon in Sidmouth

THANKS to match funding by Archant Gold, the Herald Sharks swimming team, which took part in this year’s Sidmouth Swimathon, has raised over �1,000 for ShelterBox.

The six-strong team, made up of journalists from the Sidmouth Herald, Midweek Herald and Exmouth Journal, raised �501.20 in sponsorship for the Cornish-based charity, which sends emergency shelter around the world to countries following natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding.

It is the second year running that Herald Sharks has raised a team to take part in the swimathon, and the second time Archant Gold, a charitable arm of Archant – owner of the three titles - has match funded their sponsorship.

Shark’s team captain, Di Bowerman, news editor of the Sidmouth Herald, said: “I was thrilled to receive an e-mail from the company secretary’s PA to say our application for match funding had been approved.

“With �1,002.40 the team can ‘purchase’ two of the charity’s boxes, which cost about �500 each and provide shelter for a family of up to 10.

“Some of us less fit swimmers may have struggled doing more than three lengths at a time, but to think we are helping to support people who have lost their homes and belongings in a natural disaster is worth the aches and pains.”

Pictured are the Sharks team (l-r): Alain Tolhurst, Katy Griffin, Belinda Bennett, Di Bowerman, Sean Keywood and Kingsley Squire, a former staff man with the Sidmouth Herald.