An SGN swimming superstar has raised over £1,000 for charity by completing a gruelling challenge in the Solent.
North Construction Regional Manager Jon Karp swam three-and-a-half miles from the mainland to the golden sands of Ryde on the Isle of Wight to raise money in aid of Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service. GAFIRS is an independent lifeboat and inshore rescue service, providing emergency cover to the Eastern Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.
Alongside his kayak support team, Jon braved swells of 2.5m and completed the swim in an impressive two hours and 17 minutes.
His fundraising efforts were topped up by our organisation’s Into Action scheme. This fund matches total donations raised up to £500 to support our colleagues’ charitable efforts.
Donations continue to flood in to recognise Jon’s achievement. The money will go to supporting GAFIRS with lifesaving equipment so its volunteers can continue to respond effectively to the approximate 100 incidents in the area each year.
Jon said: “I was lucky enough to grow up in Gosport that happens to be opposite the Isle of Wight. And I’ve spent many long summer days as a boy with my family and later in life with my wife and two daughters on the beach looking at the island thinking I could swim that!
“Thanks to GAFIRS, I’ve had the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream and raise some valuable funds to help them carry on their amazing work to their local community.
“A big thank you to everyone who’s donated so far, and to SGN, who matched an extra £500 through the Into Action scheme.”
