CAMELFORD Stingers Swimming Club are looking to raise much needed funds for the club by ‘swimming the English Channel’ on Tuesday, June 27.

Although they’re not actually swimming to the French border, over 30 members of the Stingers will aim to swim 32km (1600 lengths) of Camelford Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in two and a half hours or less.

The idea has come from ex-Stinger and former Sir James Smith’s School pupil Rosie Morey who is currently studying at Truro College.

Rosie is looking to achieve a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and as part of the criteria was asked to do a year of volunteering.

As a former Stinger, Rosie got back in contact with the club who were more than happy to help, as committee member Aly Chatterjea explains.

Aly said: “Rosie was put on the committee and she came up with the idea and we’re really looking forward to the event. There’ll be four lanes with an even number of swimmers of age and ability and they’ll all do their bit so that the 1600 lengths will be swam in the 150 minutes. It’s going to be a very fast relay but I’ve got every confidence that they’ll do it.

“All the swimmers are really excited to take part and do their bit. We’re a very small club with about 40 swimmers ranging from nine to 18, and with money being tight, it’s always great to do fundraisers like this. It’ll be team effort from everyone involved and we can’t wait for it to take place.”

As well as the swimming on the night, there will be a barbecue and raffle with all proceeds going to the Stingers and Aly is hoping to raise a significant amount of money.

Aly said: “We have a target of £300 but it would be great if we could get as much as possible. The more money we can raise the better. The children have all got their individual forms and we’ve also set up a JustGiving page for people to lend their support. We hope that as many people as possible can come along on the night to lend their support to such a good cause.”

For further information on the swim, contact www.camelfordstingers.org.uk or visit their Facebook page at Camelford Stingers.