Channel swim planned for Bulford 

Wednesday 28th March

Soldiers from the catering department of Bulford based 3 (UK) Signal Regiment are to raise money for charities by swimming the English Channel and - and they are not even planning to leave Wiltshire.

The swimming chefs will complete the swim in the Bulford swimming pool, and that means swimming 2311 lengths of 33 metre pool between them. And if that wasn't enough, they have to complete their marathon in just eight and a half hours.

Event organiser Sergeant John Gellatly said the core members of the team will swim hundreds of lengths although there will be guest swimmers, but they will be limited to 30 lengths each.

The core team comprises Sergeant John Gellatly, Master Chef Staff Sergeant Sadie Hopkins, Corporal Laura Boorn, Private Ashley Harker, and Corporal Martin Carpenter.

As Army chefs, they still have hungry mouths to feed. "The kitchens and the Sergeants' mess will be manned," said Sergeant Gellatly. One of our swimmers, Sergeant Mark Hillyer will do some lengths despite arranging the catering a function on the day.

The fundraisers are taking over the Bulford Pool from 0800 until 4.30 in the afternoon on Wednesday 28th March. "We know we have that window of eight and half hours but we confident that as long as there are no accidents or injuries, we should complete it in seven hours."

Money raised will be divided between the Army Benevolent Fund, the Chindits Old Comrades Association and Salisbury Hospital Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. "It is a local charity and given the amount of time soldiers spend in Bulford and Tidworth and that Salisbury Hospital is as much a part of the lives of our families as it is for the rest of the local population, we felt it was a worthy cause," said Sergeant Gellatly.  

One disappointing element so far has been the poor response by local businesses to help back the event. More than 40 have been contacted but none have offered support. However, internet kit suppliers Swimshop have provided goggles hats and ear plugs and the team are very grateful.

Right now they are continuing with their strict training regime for the big day.

* If you would like to sponsor the Army swimmers please contact Sergeant Gellatly on 01980 672878. And all are welcome to lend their support and encouragement on the day.