The annual Lighthouse Big Christmas Appeal launched in style last weekend as a crew of nine team members from the arts centre took to kayaks to circumnavigate Brownsea Island.
The 9.2km voyage was completed, impressively, in just under three hours on Saturday and has raised almost £2,000 to kickstart the appeal that every year sees thousands of disadvantaged children, families, and those experiencing isolation and loneliness enjoy the gift of live theatre, music, and cinema.
“The Christmas Appeal Challenge was a fantastic success!” says Lighthouse Development Co-ordinator George Rogers, who came up with the idea.
“We had a team of nine taking part on the water and four more acting as valuable support crew. Thankfully, the weather was unseasonably wonderful, so much so that once we got around to the back of Brownsea and stopped to rest and refuel with some snacks, some were so hot they needed a brief dip in the sea!”
The team from Lighthouse was ably and very generously supported by The Watersports Academy with time, energy and resources, providing kayaks, paddles, wetsuits and buoyancy aids for all, as well as a support and safety boat that accompanied the intrepid paddlers.
As of today, the Christmas Appeal Challenge JustGiving page stands at £1,967… and counting!
“We are so grateful for all of the support we have received so far and will be keeping the page active for a few more weeks to keep the donations rolling in!” adds George.
On the water were: George Rogers, Grace Rogers, Jo Jardine, John Blakeley, Emma Bovey, Charly Danby, Ashton Corbin, Lucy Funnell, and Aiden Nicholas. Supporting: Jonathan Smith,
Annabel Jones, Kate Sington, and Katy Griffiths.
To donate please visit Lighthouse Poole is fundraising for Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.
(NC)