Elsenham Police Officer Takes on 11-Mile Lake Windermere Swim to Support Colchester Girl with Rare Condition

Elsenham, UK – Andre Cundell, a 50-year-old police officer from Elsenham, is set to swim the 11-mile length of Lake Windermere this weekend as part of the Windermere Chillswim. This grueling event, the longest swim in England, marks the final challenge in Andre's quest to complete the "big three" lake swims, having previously conquered Lake Coniston and Ullswater.

Andre is undertaking this challenge to raise funds for Grace Beverton, a 6-year-old girl from Colchester diagnosed with a rare genetic condition caused by a mutation of the RHOBTB2 gene. Grace, who is one of only 38 people in the world with this condition, cannot walk or talk and requires specialized therapies and equipment not available on the NHS.

Andre, who has been training intensely for this event, hopes to complete the swim in under eight hours. He shared his motivation, saying, “I love being in the water, but this will be a real challenge. I'm doing this to support Grace and her family as they work to provide her with the best possible care.”

Grace's family continually fundraises to cover the costs of therapies and equipment that could improve her quality of life. The current goal is to secure intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit unaided, with longer-term hopes of achieving milestones like bearing weight on her legs or even walking.

Grace's father, Dale Beverton, a police officer who works alongside Andre, expressed his gratitude: “I’m very grateful to Andre for taking on this massive swim for Grace. I wish him all the best and can't wait to hear all about it!”

The family is supported by the children’s charity Tree of Hope, which assists families in raising funds for healthcare needs not covered by the NHS. The charity also provides a platform for donations, offering gift aid and corporate support.

Support Andre and Grace:

• Chillswim Event Info: Chillswim Windermere End-to-End
• Donate to Grace’s Fund: Tree of Hope – Grace Beverton or JustGiving – Andre Cundell