George congratulates charity swimmers

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery was on hand recently to congratulate four local women who took part in a gruelling charity swim in aid of Help For Heroes.

George met the four - Lizzie McFarland, 24, from Lavant Close, Cowplain, Emily Jones, 19, from Tamar Down, Cowplain, Bethan Jones, 21, also from Tamar Down, and Chris Pitman, 59, from Bedhampton - who raised more than £2000 for the charity by completing the 12-mile swim.

The politician met the women at the Swimstop store in Hambledon Road, which sponsored one of the swimmers.

“Help for Heroes is a great cause and I congratulate them for their hard work,” said George. “It's certainly a lot further than I could swim.”

The challenge, called 2swim4life, took place at Guildford Lido and involved swimming a mile an hour for 12 hours.

“It was tough, but I’m so glad I did it,” added Lizzie.
For Chris, the challenge was great training as she hopes to swim the English Channel next year.

In August, she will swim 21 miles up and down lake Windermere in preparation.

The four are also still collecting sponsorship money. If you can help please visit their websites.

http://www.bmycharity.com/chrispitman
http://www.bmycharity.com/jonessistersbe
http://www.justgiving.com/Lizzie-McFarland

Photo: From Left George Hollingbery MP, Lizzie Mcfarland,Chris Pitman, Emily Jones and Bethan Jones