On Friday, we welcomed a fantastic fundraising family to Royal Life Saving Society UK’s HQ, River House.

The Preece family came to hand over more than £500 they raised for the World Drowning Fund’s SwimSafe campaign, initiatives run by RLSS UK’s fellow Commonwealth branch – RLSS Australia.

RLSS UK’s Clive Holland, Regional Representative on the Management Board, received the cheque on RLSS Australia’s behalf and presented the family with certificates.

Mum Kathryn, dad Phil and daughters Nicola, Rebecca and Hannah (aged 12, 10 and six respectively) decided to support SwimSafe as their charity for 2013 after swimmer Nicola wanted to support her hobby and help to save other children’s lives.

The family, from Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, was shocked by drowning statistics and wanted to make a difference. In June Phil completed the Great North Swim in a fantastic 30.40 minutes. During the summer the girls baked cakes and invited the neighbours round to buy cakes and enjoy Pimms in the garden.

Their biggest challenge was climbing Mount Snowdon in October as on their first attempt they had to turn back – Phil and Hannah were nearly blown off the mountain! They tried a few days later and reached the summit in time for a hot chocolate in the cafe before completing the decent – a total of nine miles in six hours.

Their final fundraiser was a cake sale at the girls’ school when they baked and decorated 200 cakes to sell to their friends. Throughout the year the girls have also donated part of their pocket money.

Clive said: “It was wonderful to meet the Preece family who has raised money for such a worthy cause. To hear the girls say that they take learning to swim for granted and that learning about SwimSafe made them realise not everyone is so fortunate to learn a skill that can save their lives was inspiring. Their efforts really will make a difference.”

Mum Kathryn added: “The girls were amazed to learn how something they do as a hobby could actually save a child’s life and were delighted to hear that the money they raised would help 46 children through the SwimSafe program – we are extremely proud of them.”

For more information on the Global Drowning Fund or to donate visit –

http://www.globaldrowningfund.org.au/how-you-can-help