A STUDENT from Audenshaw is helping raise funds for the Ukrainian humanitarian appeal by taking part in a marathon sponsored swim.
Eleanor Roberts, 21, is a member of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) swim team which is attempting to swim 346.4 miles, the length of Ukraine.
That equates to 22,000 lengths of a swimming pool and it is estimated that it will take 203 hours to complete.
Each of the UCLAN swim team needs to swim between 24 and 27 miles and Eleanor, who is taking to the water four times a week at either Fulwood Leisure Centre or West View Leisure Centre, Preston, is hoping to complete her leg by the end of March.
And they have already passed their £3,000 target with the sum raised so far £3,664.
Eleanor, a former pupil at St Mary’s Droylsden, Fairfield High School and Denton Community College, said: “On the second day of the war, we all felt terrible and wanted to do something to support the people of Ukraine.
“Emily Kippax, who runs our university swim team, suggested swimming the length of Ukraine.”
Eleanor, who is studying criminology and criminal justice, aims to cover one mile on each visit to the pool.
She added: “When I wake up, the first thing I think of it what is happening in Ukraine.
“It makes me feel good every time I get in the pool that I am helping raise money for the humanitarian appeal.”
To help fund her studies Eleanor does two part-time jobs as a carer and has also started his own dog bakery business cooking canine treats.
Emily, 20, who is studying paramedic science, added: “Ever since hearing the news of the war on Ukraine, I am unable to stop thinking about the pure fear, and pain innocent families and civilians are devastatingly being put through.
“There are heartbreaking stories on the news of people having their cancer treatment stopped and the 11-year-old boy who walked by himself to the Czech Republic.
“We may seem to just be people with no ‘power’ and there is nothing major we can do to make a significant difference.
“We want to do all we can try and therefore decided to try and raise money for things such as medical supplies, food, water and shelter, just basic things which are needed.
“In order to do this, we are swimming the entire length of Ukraine which equates to 346.4 miles.
“Any donations small or big would be appreciated and thank you for taking your time to listen to our story.”
• To sponsor the swim team, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-kippax