This May, Women and Children First’s new CEO, Mikey Rosato, will be taking part in a gruelling sponsored adventure off the coast of Cornwall– the Scilly Swim Challenge.
Mikey is partaking in the Scilly Swim to raise vital funds to stop mothers and babies dying in pregnancy or childbirth. He is aiming to smash his target of raising £2,000 in sponsorship.
Mikey explains why it is such a challenge:
“I am going to have to swim over 9 miles in the Atlantic Ocean - which in May will be cold, choppy and apparently jelly fish infested!
“What’s more, the organisers seem to have forgotten to plan any transport across the islands, so I'm also going to have to trek over 6 miles between the swims.
“So that’s 6 walks, 6 swims, over 15 miles – in a day!
“Oh, and my daughter, born in January, will be watching from the support boat, so no pressure!”
So why is our new Chief Executive taking part in such a demanding physical and mental challenge?
“Women and Children First works in some of the poorest communities in the world to stop women and children dying in pregnancy, childbirth or the first few years of life.
“We do this by empowering women to overcome the many health risks that they and their children face.
“Our work can reduce a woman’s chance of dying by up to 50%. More newborns live too – the risk of death reduced by 33%.”
“To date, we have saved over 6,000 lives. The kind generosity of supporters means many more lives can be saved.
“Sponsoring me on my challenge will not only motivate me to train - it will also help support a cause close to my heart.”
Sponsoring Mikey to reach his target of £2,000 would help to ensure that many more mothers in countries such as Uganda, Malawi and Ethiopia can survive and thrive during and after pregnancy.
A donation of £20 could help 4 women attend a women’s group for a year – giving them essential support and advice.
If this challenge has inspired you, try the challenge of a half marathon! Women and Children First have places at the Edinburgh Half Marathon. You will also get training and fundraising advice to help you every step of the way.
For more information, contact Melanie Smith – m.smith@womenandchildrenfirst.org.uk; 020 7700 6309