Bidding to make a splash for vital Christmas appeal – for the 49th time!

I AM again raising funds for a special appeal that has been helping children for almost half a century in Newham, East London.

It’s the 49^th time I’ve dived in for the appeal, and as with last year’s campaign I am getting a little help from two of my grandchildren in completing the event that has helped me raise money for the vital Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.

I helped launch the appeal with our charity’s founder Kevin all those years ago. The appeal has helped tens of thousands of children over those years and is still as important today.

In past years I have managed to swim 50 lengths breaststroke on my own, a tough ask because of my COPD, but following a double hernia op and then major surgery for a rotator cuff repair last year, I am still recovering. I’ve also got now got swollen discs in my back and hips and pelvis problems. I am having physiotherapy to try and improve the condition.

I have been training at weekly swimming sessions, but two of my grandchildren, Laura, 12 in November and Natalie, nine, a week earlier, have decided to help me complete the target in case I cannot manage the full 50 lengths. Last year I managed 34 and they did 50 lengths between them. Their parents also weighed in with more lengths.

 *  Colin, Natalie and Laura … making a splash

I know money is tight for everyone reading this . But if you can support us it would be wonderful.

Five years ago Kevin passed away and the trustees of Ambition, Aspire, Achieve, of which I am one, decided to rename the appeal in his memory. It is now known as The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.

I will be featuring the full launch on my website shortly. Over the coming two and a half months, Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and the local paper, the Newham Recorder are joining forces for the campaign to bring joy to thousands of vulnerable children, families and adults. Many of our children are still living in poverty. But this appeal looks to strengthen communities and raise aspirations at this time, making Christmas special and futures brighter.

• Last Year’s effort

I am proud to be a patron of the toy appeal campaign, having been part of the appeal for the Recorder in many roles from reporter to Editor during my 41 years at the Recorder. I have remained part of it as a patron since I left 14 years ago in December.

Thank you for your support.

You can sponsor me at:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/colin-grainger-937?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Or donate to the main appeal site’s website at:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/appeal26

Every gift, no matter the value, will help make Christmas special for those who need it most.