Big-hearted swim for charity

Andrew Elliott, 23, left the Waterside to live in Cyprus three years ago. His home had been the Waterside since 1992 and he didn't start swimming seriously until he moved to Cyprus.

On September 4 Andrew, who is originally from the Isle of Man, will swim 10 kilometres across Khrysokhou Bay, west of Polis, Cyprus, in aid of the Elizabeth Elliot Charitable Trust. The charity supports rural women and children through the Rural Women’s Front in Sri Lanka and the Trust was formerly known as the RWF Support Group.

“Tragedy hit the Elliot family in February earlier this year when Andrew’s Mum, Elizabeth, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. Soon after her death it was decided to rename the charity to honour her life and love of children and families,” said Andrew’s father, Graham.

“The Rural Women’s Front provides micro-finance to help families earn a living. It also provides practical and emotional support to victims of domestic violence, children’s clubs to encourage and nurture children who have been victims, and helps repatriate women who have gone abroad to provide support for their families only to find themselves trapped in slavery”.

Asked if Andrew was a ‘water baby’ in school, Graham said his son only took up swimming when he moved to Cyprus.

“Could be something to do with living on the shores of the Mediterranean and the 40C heat. The distance won't be a big issue. Apart from sudden squalls there can be large shoals of jellyfish. They're his main concern,” he said.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so by forwarding what they can to The Elizabeth Elliot Charitable Trust, 5 May Street, Londonderry, BT47 6EZ. Alternatively email [email protected]. All donations will go directly to the RWF.