More than £19,000 has so far been raised for a Watford-based charity after a weather presenter and ten fellow swimmers took to the open waters on Saturday.
Kate Kinsella was part of the 11-strong team sponsored by Slone Capital that swam three miles across the Solent to the Isle of Wight in support of Electric Umbrella.
The charity works to make the world a better place for learning disabled people, using the power of music and friendship to put their community at centre stage.
The BBC weather presenter said: ''My love for Electric Umbrella came after watching them perform locally. I've now volunteered with them for a couple of years, and from the very start I just felt so accepted and welcomed by everyone.
''Their work is just so important, and being part of their community fills my heart with joy
''Growing up I was a club swimmer, and I actually lived right next to where the swim started. I used to sit on the beach and think, ‘one day I'll swim that’.
''It's as if the stars aligned - it felt like a real bucket list moment, made all the better by the fact that I was supporting a charity I love so much.”
Team Slone Capital have raised more than £19,000 so far for Electric Umbrella. Picture: Sue Lacey Photography
Before the pandemic, Electric Umbrella delivered a range of music sessions face to face, but they worked quickly to begin delivering sessions online once lockdown began.
This means the charity is now able to tackle the social isolation that so many learning disabled people face on a much wider scale. They have now built an online community with participants from across the UK, and beyond.
Electric Umbrella chief executive and co-founder Mel Boda said: ‘We can’t thank Kate and the rest of Team Slone Capital enough for their enormous effort.
“The funds they have raised will make a real difference to the people that we support, at a time where many learning disabled people have felt left behind.
''Kate was already involved here at Electric Umbrella, so it has been fantastic to see her taking on the challenge with our big yellow community behind her all the way. ''
To learn more about Electric Umbrella and sign up for their online sessions visit: www.electricumbrella.co.uk/plug
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