Macclesfield-based Mencap Marvels are swimming in success, as they have raised over £100,000 for Mencap. 

The Mencap Marvels, a group of dedicated Channel swimmers, have smashed their four-year target and raised over £100,000 to support the work of the learning disability charity Mencap.  

19 Mencap Marvels swimmers so far this year have braved the Channel to test their skills to the limit and raise a truly remarkable amount of money. 

Teams have included blind swimmers, swimmers with a learning disability, groups of schoolchildren, entrepreneurs and CEOs. 

Led by BHS English Channel Relay Coach Nikki Pope, the Marvels go to extraordinary efforts to raise funds for Mencap, which supports the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and their families.  

Many of the swimmers have been pupils at Beech House School in Macclesfield, where Nikki is the swimming coach, with adults only joining the challenge this year. One of the youngest to brave the waves is Ed, who was just 12 when he decided to raise money for Mencap. 

Ed says, "It took a lot of courage to swim the Channel and I'm so glad I did it! I feel amazing for having achieved what I did at only 12 years old." 

Nikki Pope, coach of the Marvels, says: "I'm immensely proud of the value that the Marvels have created."

"Not just [because of] the money we have raised for Mencap, but the skills the individual members have developed and the bond the teams have displayed. They really have shown that with the right support, you can achieve anything. I'm so humbled that these swimmers, especially the children, have chosen to swim and raise money for Mencap with me.  

We're on a trajectory to do even bigger and better things in the future- watch this space!" 

Jackie O'Sullivan, Acting CEO at learning disability charity Mencap, said: "The Mencap Marvels and Nikki are such an inspiration."

"To raise such a large amount of money in just three years is truly amazing and a real testament to the determination and selflessness of every swimmer.  

We're so grateful for all their efforts to ensure that people with a learning disability in the UK can live happy and healthy lives - they've made a huge difference. Thank you!" 

There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK and they face huge inequalities every day of their lives. They are more likely to be socially isolated, nearly twice as likely to be inactive and sadly, people with a learning disability will die on average over two decades earlier compared to the general population. Mencap want to change this and will continue to campaign tirelessly for people's rights and stand up against stigma and discrimination. 

Founded in 1946, Mencap provides the highest quality frontline support to thousands of people with a learning disability, while ensuring that people with a learning disability and their families and carers can get help through the charity's helpline, online support services and lobbying and influencing work. 

See Also: UK Government confirms Macclesfield school has RAAC concrete

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