Officers' Channel Challenge success

Shaun Boorman at the Dover Immigration Removal Centre

Five prison officers, 2 from the Immigration Removal Centre in Dover have donated £530 to Macmillan Cancer Support following the massive success of their 15 hour swim across the English Channel in September 2010. 

The huge challenge was completed by the officers who went to great efforts to ensure they raised money for a number of charities.

Fundraising methods included gaining the support of colleagues, friends and families as well as the support of TriUK,  of which Shaun Boorman is a Team member.  TriUK, the UK’s largest Triathlon Retailer, donated wetsuits to the fundraising team which were auctioned online to help them reach their overall target. 

The organisation also provided the team with much needed energy drinks and Gels for their swim which was monitored by the Channel Swimming Association under strict rules.

One of the participants of the event went to great lengths to ensure the fundraising target was met.  Dean Browning found his own personal way to encourage colleagues to sponsor the swim by standing outside his workplace in swimming trunks sporting a collection bucket and sponsorship forms, a method which proved very successful.

Shaun Boorman who participated in and organised the event says: 'As Triathletes we thrive on facing extreme physical challenges. The challenge itself was   the easy bit as organising the event and gaining sponsorship was the difficult part!'

The money donated from this event could pay for at least 3 Macmillan Grants that cover the cost of a person’s travel to hospital for treatment.  To find out more about events similar to the Officers’ Channel Swim and how to get involved, visit our fundraising page|.