Christmas Day swim for brave teacher

Mrs Jenny Smith, Head of Year Seven at Watford Girls Grammar School, will be braving icy cold waters on Christmas Day as she swims across Weymouth Harbour to raise money for New Hope. The intrepid teacher is aiming to raise £1,000 for the charity. 

Mrs Smith said: ‘The year seven girls are all raising money for New Hope this year as part of the school’s charity giving programme. I decided that I would play my part as well and take part in this unforgettable event (organised by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club). I won’t be swimming a great distance but the water will be very cold indeed!’

Rebecca Palmer, Fundraising and Communications Manager at New Hope, said: ‘The money raised both by Mrs Smith’s swim and the year seven girls will help fund New Hope’s crisis accommodation which supports people facing homelessness for the first time. We’re grateful for the school’s support as we need to raise over £68,000 each year to keep our crisis accommodation service running. I’ll be thinking of Mrs Smith on Christmas Day as she braves the cold waters!’