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Last Sunday four brave Residential Landers swam the Solent – the strait of water that separates mainland UK from the Isle of Wight – in order to raise money for charity.

Emma Whitby-Smith, Michael Hughes, Vanessa Vaara and David Keir swam the three miles in fairly choppy water – and through rather busy shipping lanes! – for spinal injury charity Aspire.

From L-R: Emma Whitby-Smith, David Keir, Vanessa Vaara and Michael Hughes.

Emma Whitby-Smith, David Keir, Vanessa Vaara and Michael Hughes.

They managed to raise an impressive £7,500, smashing their initial target of £5,000.
All the money will go to Aspire, which was set up to support those with Spinal Cord Injury in order to help them live full, independent lives.

A group of swimmers about to cross the Solent

The swim raises money for spinal cord injury charity, Aspire.

Emma described it as an ‘amazing and worthwhile experience.’ She continues, “It is quite something to feel the immense force of nature and the raw beauty of it. It was tiring but I’m so glad I did it and that the training paid off.”

 L-R: Michael, David and Vanessa touch down on the Isle of Wight.

L-R: Michael, David and Vanessa touch down on the Isle of Wight.

David, surprisingly perhaps, enjoyed it so much that he wanted to carry on. He said, “It was really fun. I wanted to swim all the way back but they wouldn’t let me!”

While Vanessa seemed more happy to be alive. She said, “I had a beautiful day out with my colleagues, trying not to drown together. What a challenge.”

Michael, Emma, David and Vanessa have a post-swim drink.

Having a well-deserved drink after the swim.

If you want to have a go at swimming the Solent to raise money for Aspire then check out their next available dates here.

For more information on the charities that Residential Land supports click here.