A Sandbach man is celebrating after completing a marathon swim in the Lake District to feed needy families in Kenya amid rising food costs.

Colin Dalton from Wheelock swan the entire length of Coniston Water (5.25 miles) at the weekend for the New Hope Support Group.

The dad-of-two was joined by fellow swimmer, Jo Smith, for the epic feat which has already raised around £1,828.

Colin set up a Just Giving page to raise money from the swim https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/newhopeswim?fbclid=IwAR3bhzOIfQAKQJmU7ebT7HqwHtkECcN7ODlSXmbZx7HZj-BvS-wgLXRqKoA  and money is still pouring in.

New Hope Children's centre is located in the Uplands area of Kenya, just north of Nairobi.

The centre is home to approximately 90 children with 180 being supported in the community, ensuring they're able to go to school, eat and have basic medical care. 

The centre also supports local adults who live in the community and find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, often due to poor health. 

Colin said of his swim marathon: "The wind was strong creating difficult swimming conditions. Large waves meant you couldn't see where you were going and swallowed far more of Coniston than is good for you.

"The swim itself was incredibly tough but I managed to complete it in 2hrs 45 minutes. Most importantly we have raised over £1200 to help ensure families in Kenya aren't constantly going to bed hungry. Thanks to everyone for their support."

Colin says the Ukraine crisis has placed "unimaginable pressure" on the Kenyan families.

"A huge proportion of food is grown in Ukraine and exported to Kenya, with this being unavailable at the moment, prices of some goods have more than doubled. 

"Maize flour has nearly doubled and cooking oil has increased by over 50 per cent.   

"We think it is going to cost an additional £10k this year just to keep families from going hungry.

"Every single penny that is donated will go towards ensuring the neediest of the community are provided with the food and nutrients they require." 

Now the supply manager with Lloyds Bank is busy planning the next event – an 80s night to raise more money for the group who supporting a community based in Upland, Kenya.

Sandbach Nub News featured last year's event held at Sandbach School  https://sandbach.nub.news/news/local-news/wheelock-resident-colin-is-banking-on-success-with-his-latest-project-to-provide-new-hope-for-kenyan-children which was a huge success.

Good luck to Colin and the team organising this year's 80's night – let's hope it's also a massive success.