Local dad tackles open waters for charity

Saturday 24 August 2019

A Guernsey father, who was supported by the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation when his daughter was born, has decided to challenge himself in aid of the charity.

Tim Pond aims to swim the 14 miles from Jersey to France this weekend, as long as the weather holds out for him.

"My wife Nikki Trebert-Pond and I have been involved with the PPBF for eight years, since Macie was born," he said. "She spent time in the Special Care Baby Unit and we saw how much the charity do to help parents and babies, supporting them through a tough time in their life. This inspired me to help other local families.

"The money raised from my swim will go towards equipment on the Neonatal Ward at the PEH as well as the two PPBF flats next to Southampton Hospital where families can stay while their baby is at the hospital."

Pictured: Tim Pond.

This is the second fundraising effort Tim been involved with for the foundation, after completing the Great North Swim in 2013.

"I've been training for over a year in the pool with the Guernsey Masters and in the sea all year round with an incredible bunch of fellow swimmers," he added. "I have been swimming over 25k a week for the last month or so and recently swam a six hour and two four hour [stints] on consecutive days."

Tim will be the first Guernsey person to swim the route, which could be extended to 18 miles dependent on tidal pull.

It will be a huge challenge for Tim's fitness as he was seriously ill last year and had to spend time in hospital.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to Tim for undertaking this amazing fundraising challenge for the charity," said Jo Priaulx from the foundation. "We know Howard it will be for him and can't thank him enough for all he, and his wife Nikki, have done for us over the years.

"Good luck Tim!"