Schoolboy swimmers to raise money for Watene fund

A pair of Wakefield schoolboys are swimming 20 miles between them to raise money for the Adam Watene Fund.

Ellis Pritchard, 10, and Jake Smith, 9 from Holy Trinity C of E Primary School and St. Austin’s RC Primary school respectively took up the challenge after completing all eight levels of their Total Fitness swimming certificates and distance badges up to a mile.

Now the boys swim around 62 lengths in a 45 minute session once a week at Total Fitness in Wakefield under the watchful eye of instructor Angela Audsley.

Angela, who has been working at the gym since it opened four years ago, says the boys are taking on a big challenge.

“It will be a fantastic achievement for them,” said Angela.

“Anyone who comes swimming regularly will know just how difficult it is to swim that sort of distance in a 45 minute session.”

“We have adults that come here and don’t swim as far in even longer sessions so it shows you just how well they are doing.”

Jake regularly visits the Hearwell Stadium to cheer on the Wildcats, and it was his idea to attempt the marathon swim in aid of the Fund.

After four weeks the boys have swam a combined total of six miles, 500 metres towards their 20 mile goal.

To help them raise money for the Fund fill in the sponsorship form on reception at Total Fitness in Wakefield, at the Wildcats Superstore or in the Hearwell Stadium reception.

The Fund was also boosted by a £538.00 donation from David Taylor who recently organised a ‘Leadership Lessons from League’ seminar where administrators and players, including the Wildcats own Scott Grix; spoke about what they have learnt from their time in the sport.

Proceeds from the day were split equally between the Adam Watene Fund and the RFL Benevolent Fund.

Also on Sunday, a group of Huddersfield and Wakefield fans took part in a sponsored walk from Huddersfield to the Hearwell Stadium in aid of the Fund and in addition there was a successful Ladies Night held in CATS Bar last Friday evening.

More information on the Adam Watene Fund can be found by following the link on the Wildcats official website- www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk