A Portsmouth social worker has passed the halfway point in a challenge to complete 100 sea swims in 100 consecutive days.
John Hillage, who works in the city council’s foster carer recruitment team, began the challenge on New Year’s Day.
All of the swims are taking place off Southsea, often in freezing conditions and stormy weather.
The challenge aims to celebrate foster carers and highlight the urgent need for more people to come forward.
John said: “I swim throughout the year, but this challenge means getting to the beach every single day whatever the weather. Some days it’s so cold it can only be a very quick dip!”
Armed with a trusted Foster Portsmouth beanie to warm up afterwards, and a hot drink before cycling home, John says the support from others has been a real source of motivation: “There’s been a lot of warmth in the people around me. The swimmers at Southsea Beach have been brilliant and have really kept me going.”
That sense of community mirrors the spirit of fostering, something John sees daily in his work.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said: “Foster Portsmouth urgently needs more foster carers for the children and young people who need a loving, stable home. John’s challenge shines a light on the strength of our ‘team around the child’ and the incredible dedication shown by our foster carers.”
His final swim will take place on 10 April, marked by a small event between 2 – 4pm at Southsea Beach Hut #68 Lumps Fort, to celebrate the vital contribution foster carers make.
If people would like to enquire or arrange a one-to-one with one of Foster Portsmouth’s experienced team or foster carers, they can visit: www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk, call 023 9283 4071 or email fostering@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
For more details on John’s challenge, visit: https://foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/swims/
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