Roger’s latest fundraiser goes swimmingly

Doncaster businessman Roger Smith powered through the water to complete a two hour long sponsored swim for his favourite local charity   – St John’s Hospice. But just as he was about to climb out of the pool a well-wisher offered him £30 to keep going for another 30 minutes.

“I was tired but wasn’t going to pass up the chance to add more money to the pot”, said Roger, 56, who went on to raise £1,098 for us after completing 150 lengths of the pool at Rotherham’s Bannatyne’s Health Club, a distance of around two miles.

Roger slotted the fundraiser into a health drive which has seen him lose a staggering 3.5 stones in just six months by making lifestyle changes and exercising regularly. Owner of Doncaster company Fencing 4 U, he has been fundraising for St John’s for six years following the death of Cheryl – his partner of 10 years – who spent her last days being cared for at the hospice.

It brings to £8,598 the amount Roger and his supporters have donated to St John’s since 2016 – and there’s more to come this year, with a regular garden party and Northern Soul fundraiser to be organised.

Roger said: “The care and compassion Cheryl received at the hospice was absolutely fantastic. I cannot thank the entire St John’s team enough for what they did, but I will continue to fundraise for them for as long as I can.

“There’s so much to the hospice that many people are not aware of, including the day centre and work they do for patients living at home. It’s a great asset for Doncaster.”

Hospice fundraiser Lindsey Richards said: “Roger is a great friend of St John’s and we never fail to be amazed at his fundraising commitment. We are so grateful for his support.”