A social worker has passed the halfway mark in a significant challenge to complete 100 sea swims in 100 consecutive days, all to celebrate foster carers and raise awareness of the urgent need for more people to come forward.
John Hillage, who works in Portsmouth City Council’s foster carer recruitment team, has been a keen outdoor swimmer since 2009. His challenge began on New Year’s Day, with every swim taking place off Southsea. The winter weather has made the task especially demanding; so far, he has battled freezing temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds and even storm Goretti.
John shared:
“I swim throughout the year, but this challenge means getting to the beach every single day whatever the weather. Some days it’s so cold it can only be a very quick dip!”
Armed with a trusted Foster Portsmouth beanie to warm up afterwards, and a hot drink before cycling home, John says the support from others has been a real source of motivation.
“There’s been a lot of warmth in the people around me. The swimmers at Southsea Beach have been brilliant and have really kept me going.”
That sense of community mirrors the spirit of fostering, something John sees daily in his work.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Foster Portsmouth urgently needs more foster carers for the children and young people who need a loving, stable home. John’s challenge shines a light on the strength of our ‘team around the child’ and the incredible dedication shown by our foster carers.”
Portsmouth currently has nearly 200 fostering households supporting children and working closely with birth families.
John adds:
“The fostering community is like a village within a village. They support one another and show the very best of the warmth, care and commitment this city is known for.”
John hopes others might join him for a dip in the remaining weeks, especially as temperatures start to rise.
“Everyone is welcome and it’s a great chance to chat about fostering and how it can fit around different lifestyles. I’ll keep swimming in tribute to the city and its foster carers, and I’m hoping it’s a bit warmer by April!”
His final swim will take place on 10 April, marked by a small event between 2 – 4pm at Southsea Beach Hut #68 Lumps Fort, to celebrate the vital contribution foster carers make.
If people would like to enquire or arrange a one-to-one with one of Foster Portsmouth’s experienced team or foster carers, they can visit: www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk, call 023 9283 4071 or email fostering@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
For more details on John’s challenge, visit: https://foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/swims/