Buckland Timber MD to Take on SwimTayka Charity Challenge

Robin Nicholson, Managing Director of Buckland Timber, is preparing to take on one of the world’s most challenging open water swims this September, taking part in a team Relay Channel Swim for a charity called SwimTayka.

The swim is to raise vital funds for SwimTayka, an international charity dedicated to preventing drowning deaths worldwide. The charity focuses on providing disadvantaged communities around the world with access to qualified swimming teachers, as well as training local instructors to teach swimming to future generations, ensuring long-term impact in vulnerable communities.

The English Channel, stretching approximately 21 miles between England and France, presents some testing conditions, including strong currents, cold water temperatures, and unpredictable weather, and has been described as ‘more of a mental battle than a physical one.’

“I was surprised to learn drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide,” said Robin. “And having started open water swimming once an injury put paid to my rowing, I thought this would be a great way to raise awareness – I’ve been involved in a few fundraising activities, but this is the biggest one to date!”

Robin is not on his own, though. The relay format allows the team to tackle the crossing together, with swimmers taking turns to complete legs of the journey while supporting each other through the physical and mental challenges of the swim. The team have already completed a qualifying swim in Dover Harbour, and hope to complete the swim in early September 2024, weather permitting.

Robin is personally covering all costs associated with the swim, ensuring that 100% of funds raised go directly to SwimTayka’s life-saving programs. ‘It’s definitely a change to the day-to-day life of designing, manufacturing and installing glulam’, says Robin, ‘every contribution, regardless of size, will help, so if anyone would like to support this fundraising effort, please do contribute if you can.’

To show your support for Robin’s swim please visit
https://www.justgiving.com/page/robin-nicholson-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA

For more information on Buckland Timber, visit: www.bucklandtimber.co.uk