Six-year-old Mallory has been making a splash for Launchpad throughout October after taking on an epic swimming challenge.
The pupil at Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet CE (VA) Primary School is attempting to swim 2km and has been getting sponsorship from family and friends via a Just Giving page set up by proud mum Susy.
Susy said Mallory had started asked questions about why people were sleeping on the street after a couple of trips up to London and seeing the homeless crisis first hand.
“She wanted to see what she could do to help people and at first wanted to raise money for a homeless charity in London. But I thought we could do something more local and found out about the work Launchpad does in Reading,” said Susy.
“I also had a friend who’d worked for Reading Borough Council and verified that the charity was doing really good work to help people who are homeless in the town.
“So, Mallory and I spoke about what she could do. We thought about a sponsored cycle, but I felt October might have some bad weather so that’s when we came up with swimming.
“We wanted it to be a challenge, but an achievable one. Mallory has a swimming lesson once a week, then as a family we have been going twice a week. I’d say going into the fourth week of October, Mallory has nearly reached 2km, which is incredible. It’s actually 80 lengths of our local pool.
“She has already reached the target of raising £500 and we will visit Launchpad’s work and life skills centre during half term so Mallory and I can see the kind of practical work that goes on there to help vulnerable people.”
Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, said: “We are always thrilled when anybody takes on a challenge to support our work, but particularly amazed when one so young shows this level of compassion for others.
“Mallory has been amazing so far in her efforts, and the funds she’s raising will go towards supporting those in Reading who have, or are at risk of, losing their home.
“If you’d like to follow in Mallory’s footsteps and set your own challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for Launchpad, our friendly fundraising team will be only too happy to support you. Just get in touch with fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk and let us know your plans.
“We can supply you with technical t-shirts for running or walking events, warm beanie hats for sleep outs and swim hats for any water challenge.”