We are a group of people brought together by a shared love of open water swimming and a commitment to standing up against racism.
We decided to fundraise and raise awareness of Charities run by and supporting the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.
We will be swimming as often as we can during November in a series of events. Jess' grandma Milly, who describes herself as "Romani and proud" has kindly shared with us her lucky numbers as inspiration for our swims. They are:
3, 5, 7, 21 and 30
Please join in with your own swim and/or post messages of support and/or donate! We'd love to see your photos on our public Facebook event https://facebook.com/events/s/diversity-swim-for-gypsy-romat/3307355436040328/?ti=as
Please ensure that your swims are in keeping with the current Covid 19 rules in your area - for Swimmers and bystanders.
ALTHOUGH THE MONTH Of SWIMS IS NOW FINISHED, we welcome your support and donations till the end of February 2021. Thanks for all the support!
Read Diversity swims for GRT: the Nov challenge starts (days 1-7), on Imogen's River Swims https://www.imogensriverswims.co.uk/blog/diversity-swims-for-grt-the-nov-challenge-starts/
And the last two days, https://www.imogensriverswims.co.uk/blog/diversity-swims-for-grt-29-30-nov-2020/, with links to the other weeks.
See story on Outdoor Swimming Society website, https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/diversity-swims-for-gypsy-roma-travellers/
Also reported in Travellers Times https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/news/2020/11/stay-lucky-wild-swimmers-raise-money-traveller-charities?fbclid=IwAR2_IxaWjDRgAj1Oql1oBVpM8odSj5nGJ2UGnlA61t0F9PACs8kboFCfIWM
And a report, including a video, in the Eastern Daily Press, Swimmers in Norfolk tackle challenge to support travellers, (https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/swimmers-take-part-in-challenge-to-fundraise-for-traveller-communities-6572106)
Story also covered, interview with two organisers/participants, on BBC Radio Norfolk, 1 Dec, at 2h33.45, till 2.41.46, for 29 days, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08yq4vw
You can read more about why we want to show solidarity in this article explaining discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (GRT) and what we can do https://www.imogensriverswims.co.uk/blog/solidarity-with-gypsy-roma-and-traveller-people/