Louise makes a splash for Pilgrims

Keen swimmer Louise Carroll from Broadstairs dedicated some of her half term holiday time to swim an incredible 200 lengths of her local pool in memory of her friend and school staff member, Frank Stivarious. She is raising money for Pilgrims Hospices who cared for Frank when he battled cancer in October 2017, and hopes to raise more than £200.

Dane Court Grammar School student Louise, who is 13 years old, said: “I used to speak to Frank every morning when Mum dropped me at school. He was always such a happy and friendly face and we were all very fond of him at our school.”

Louise’s mum and dad, Claire and Neil, are so proud of Louise’s fundraising. Claire said: “She wanted to do something positive and raise awareness of the wonderful work that Pilgrims Hospices do. Her friends and teachers at school have been really supportive.”

Frank’s wife, Sarah, who is Assistant Head Teacher at Dane Court Grammar, came along to support Louise on her 5000-meter swim, along with Louise’s mum and her grandparents Pat and Ron Dinnes.

Sarah explained: “I’m so impressed with her commitment; I’m sure Frank would have approved of her efforts. She is a very caring and kind young lady.”

13-year-old Louise Carroll is swimming to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices

 

Louse loves swimming and began at an early age. She currently attends Broadstairs Lifeguard and Swimming Club at Ramsgate Leisure Centre. She also attends Dover Channel Training from May to September. Along with her 200 lengths of the pool, from Sunday 27 May to Friday 1 June Louise will be swimming approximately 2 hours daily around the bays of Jersey with a group of swimmers headed by Sally Minty Gravett MBE. Louise hopes to raise as much as possible from her friends and family, but urges anyone who wishes to support her to donate directly via Pilgrims Hospices website.

Indoor Leisure Manager at Ramsgate Leisure Centre, Gavid Vickers, who kindly gave Louise a free lane in order for her to complete her charity swim, said: “We’re delighted to have helped with Louise’s fundraising swim. We are always keen to support young people who want to help make a difference within our local community. We congratulate her on her amazing efforts.”

We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser.

Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet

Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, added: “We are delighted to have the support of such a dedicated young fundraiser. Louise is doing a wonderful job of raising vital funds and awareness of our services. Her 5000-meter swim is actually over 3 miles; that’s quite incredible. We wish her lots of luck with the sea swimming in Jersey later this year.”


Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.