Kelvin takes the Plunge

January 22nd, 2019

Village Water Fundraising Officer, Kelvin Hall, is one of those humans who loves to constantly challenge himself.


The Royal Windsor Triathlon, June 2018, was by far the most demanding event he’s ever signed up for. Consisting a 20 km cycle, a 5 km run and a 750 km swim, it’s an impressive feat even for the most seasoned of athletes. However, it was made all the more exciting  (and terrifying) by the fact that Kelvin didn’t know how to swim…

As a kid I just never learnt” Kelvin said, and as an adult I found it very easy to avoid pools completely.

Not to be perturbed by a little thing like drowning, Kelvin signed up for the Triathlon and very quickly organised swimming lessons.

After a couple of sessions, Kelvin said:

“I am progressing quickly, the last count was 4 lengths without being completely knackered!”

He also set up a fundraising page on Just Giving and set his target at £500.

Having worked for Village Water for over 7 years Kelvin knew the impact his fundraising would have for families in rural Africa. Just £30 could help support one person with life changing safe water, sanitation and hygiene, the building blocks needed to live a healthy life.

After 5 months of training, Kelvin was ready! (Or as ready as he’d ever be). After he completed the Triathlon, he told us,:

I found the swim very difficult and had to give it everything during the last bit of upstream swimming. I was so tired, then I ran around for 11 minutes looking for my bike!

Overall I was very pleased with my swimming time, very disappointed with my cycling time but very happy for completing it.

We are so proud of Kelvin! For taking on a mammoth personal challenge and for his fundraising success… He raised £753.75 in total, smashing his original target, which will reach 26 people with safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

Kelvin took the plunge and smashed his challenge.

YOU can do anything you set your mind too!