(Image: submitted)
A GROUP of swimmers is preparing to take on the equivalent of a Channel crossing this weekend to raise money for a friend whose family lost their home in a devastating earthquake in Colombia.
The sponsored swim at Ilkley Pool on Sunday, October 25, will support the Martinez family following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake which struck the Cali area of Colombia on August 10.
The fundraiser has been organised by a close-knit group of regular swimmers from Ilkley, Addingham, Menston and Riddlesden, who have shared late-night lanes at Ilkley pool with Jorge Martinez for more than 20 years.
Mr Martinez, who lives in Addingham with his wife Rachel, has been part of the local community for 25 years. Their daughter, Chenoa, attended Ilkley Grammar School.
His mother and brother were among those affected by the earthquake, losing both their home and possessions when the building was destroyed.
The Martinez home which was destroyed following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake which struck the Cali area of Colombia on August 10 (Image: submitted)
The swimmers are aiming to cover the 34km distance of the English Channel collectively during a three-hour challenge at the pool.
Swimmer Tony Starling, who set up the JustGiving campaign, said the group wanted to help their friend during a difficult time.
“We are trying to raise as much as we can for the family of one of our team, Jorge, whose mother and brother lost their home and possessions in the Cali earthquake,” he said.
“By a miracle they both survived but as with most families of modest means they have no insurance cover so will have to start from nothing to rebuild their lives.
“Our swimming group started initially from just chatting in the pool, but now we are all good friends and we wanted to do something to help Jorge after losing his family home.
“As we all met at Ilkley Pool, it seemed fitting that we could use our swimming abilities to help raise money for him.”
Funds raised will help the family rebuild their lives, whether through contributing towards a new home, replacing essential household items or securing temporary accommodation while they recover from the disaster.
The swimmers also paid tribute to the staff at Ilkley Pool for helping make the event possible.
They said managers and lifeguards had supported the challenge and regularly provide encouragement during the group’s evening swimming sessions.
People wishing to support the fundraiser can donate via the group’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/swimmingsupremos-colombiaearthquake