A campaign to establish a convalescent home for injured soldiers in Wales has been given a boost ahead of Armed Forces Day this weekend, thanks to the efforts of two young swimmers.
Three year-old Ryan John from Carmel and four year-old Oliver David Shopland from Crynant have collected sponsorship worth more than £1500 for Golden Grove Mansion Appeal following their sponsored swim at the Wales National Pool, Swansea.
The Golden Grove Mansion Appeal aims to restore the mansion for use as the first Welsh convalescent home and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment centre.
Ryan’s Mum Jacky Jones said the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. “They managed to swim five circuits of the pool, so about 355m altogether, which is outstanding considering their ages! Their coach John at the Wales National Pool was absolutely marvellous and I think just as exhausted as the boys. He didn’t stop shouting encouragement and was in the water with them all the way.
“We had sponsor forms at the Pool and at local businesses, and we took collecting buckets to Tescos in Port Talbot. When people heard what the sponsored swim was for they really dug deep.”
General Manager of the Wales National Pool, Swansea, Jane Draper said, “This is such a fantastic achievement for a three and four year-old and hopefully it may inspire others!
“Ryan and Oliver both swim here regularly and our staff have got to know them well, so we’re very proud of their efforts.”
Arfon Williams from the Golden Grove Mansion Appeal said, “You often only hear about the youth of today when something bad is said or done, so I can’t praise these two members of our community, who are just three and four years old, enough for taking the time and effort to help the Golden Grove Appeal. I hope this will be an inspiration to others. Our most sincere thank you to Ryan and Oliver for their selfless efforts on our behalf.”
To find out more about the Golden Grove Mansion Appeal log onto http://www.goldengroveappeal.com/
