[A] LOCAL optometrist has been putting his endurance levels to the test with a series of sponsored swims to raise money for a charity that works to better the lives of people with disabilities.
Specsavers Carlisle’s Kash Patel recently undertook two mile-long swims, raising over £100 for the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving).
Kash’s first swim took place in Ullswater on June 3 and he completed a second event in Windermere on June 8.
The RDA works to improve the lives of over 25,000 children and adults with disabilities a year through providing a number of outdoor activities that help their mental and physical well-being, including horse riding, carriage driving, show jumping and vaulting.
These activities help promote a kind of physiotherapy that strengthens and relaxes muscles, while simultaneously passing other benefits onto participants such as an increase in confidence and an improvement in communication skills.
Kash said: “The swims were really tough but in the end it was 100 per cent worth the pain.
“I can’t believe how generous people have been and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated.
“As ever, I’ve had fantastic support from both my colleagues and the community and the money we’ve raised will go towards helping the charity carry out the amazing work they do across the UK.”
